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.

Most Elderly Adults Have Hearing Loss

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Commucation Disorders (NIDCD) about one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those 75 and older have difficultly hearing.  This can make it hard for seniors to “understand and follow a doctor's advice, to respond to warnings, and to hear doorbells and alarms.”  Difficultly hearing also makes it hard for many elderly people to follow and engage in conversation with their family and friends.   

Known as presbycusis, hearing loss in seniors generally occurs gradually and initially affects the ability to hear higher pitched sounds.  The person may notices that while the speech is loud enough, it sounds as if the talker is mumbling. The condition is commonly caused by the loss of nerve hair cells in the Cochlea or the deterioration of other parts of the inner ear or auditory nerves.   Age-related hearing loss typically affect both ears equally.  

In some cases, health conditions more common among the elderly such as high blood pressure and diabetes can additionally affect hearing.  Furthermore, certain medications including some types of chemotherapy drugs can cause hearing loss.  

The NIDCD has a checklist to help seniors determine if they are experiencing hearing problems.  Questions include: Do you feel frustrated when talking to members of your family because you have difficulty hearing them?; Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper?; and Do you feel restricted or limited by a hearing problem? 

Another cause of hearing loss can be the result of long-term exposure to loud noise and is one of the most common occupational hazards.  The exposure damages the sensory hair cells in the ears, which do not grow back. It is estimated that at least 10 million Americans have irreversible hearing loss due to long-term exposure to noise.  

Seniors should discuss any hearing problems with their health care provider who will refer them to an otolaryngologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, and neck.  The otolarynogogist will test your hearing, and if a problem is found, will refer you on to an audiologist who will determine the type and degree of hearing loss. Either they or a hearing aid specialist will fit you for a hearing aid. 

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Boulder, “to honor, to serve, to invest”, sets us apart from other assisted living companies. 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 the best assisted living and memory care in Boulder, Colorado.

A Senior Living Community that Offers Resort-style Amenities

As one of the best senior retirement homes in the area, MorningStar of Boulder proudly offers residents an unparalleled lifestyle.  In addition to a team of exceptional individuals that feels privileged to serve seniors and considers them to be heroes, MorningStar’s wide range of resort-style amenities ensures residents feel right at home.  

Our many onsite amenities include a bistro, chapel/theatre, library with a computer, spa bath, fireside patio, all-season porches, and a fully equipped fitness room.  We also have an onsite salon that offers hairstyling services, manicures and pedicures. Additionally as a resident, you will enjoy delicious daily meals served in our charming dining room (we also have an intimate private dining room available upon request).  

MorningStar’s meaningful life enrichment programs help residents to stay engaged and productive physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.  We also host an array of special events throughout the year such as our recent celebration of Grandparents Day. Residents also enjoy getting out and about.  For example, in September, we took a couple of scenic drives, cheered at a Rockies game, went out to lunch twice, and attended an Active Minds course on the Mayan civilization. 

Furthermore, MorningStar of Boulder’s location is pretty special as we are nestled at the foot of the majestic Rockies while still convenient to banks, hospitals, shopping, grocery stores and restaurants. Please use our online links to learn more about pricing and availability.  We invite you to join a community that makes it easy for residents to lead more comfortable and healthier lives. 

MorningStar of Boulder offers the very best in senior retirement homes 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 loving community.

New & Familiar Faces Have Joined Our Leadership

Over the last several months, MorningStar of Boulder has had the honor to welcome some new as well as familiar faces to our leadership team. These loving, dedicated individuals are an important part of our community as they help to inspire and guide our team in delivering exceptional senior retirement living for all of our residents.

We are pleased to welcome back Tracie Roberts who rejoined our team in February as our Executive Director. Tracie has been with MorningStar for over eleven years and each community and position she has served in has been the better for it. Tracie relates how she and her five siblings grew up in a home right next door to her great-grandparents, Raymond and Dorothy. She adds theirs was a “home of comfort and safety…and a place to be spoiled rotten!” Her family also lived close to grandparents, Ed and Ginny, and Tracie acquired her caregiving skill by helping care for Ed through a cancer diagnosis. Now more than a decade later as a senior caregiver has made Tracie feel even more committed to her chosen career and explains, that, “Seniors amaze me. Even on their hardest days, our residents offer endearing hugs and heartfelt thanks.”

Erin Pfarr serves as our Wellness Director and feels that nothing is more rewarding than serving those who are the most deserving. She says seniors give us the wisdom of their years and teach us how to appreciate and celebrate life. Erin was initially drawn to the history and mission of MorningStar and recognized it was the ideal place to serve seniors. And speaking of coincidences, Erin’s grandparents lived on a mountain in Oregon where they had 40 acres they called “Morning Star.” 

Rounding out the team is our Director of Community Relations, Jennifer Ptacek. Jennifer was lucky enough to grow up with all four grandparents and they were the first seniors she ever loved. They had a significant impact on her life and contributed to the person she is today. She says seniors have taught her to live each day to the fullest and to take nothing for granted. 

Along with our extraordinary leadership, we are blessed to have an entire team that feels privileged to serve seniors. Our community offers both assisted living and memory care and we invite you to visit our website for more information. Caring for the needs of seniors is what MorningStar of Boulder does best. 

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. Visit our website to set up a tour of one of the area’s most beautiful and loving senior retirement homes.

Do a Spring Tune-up for All Your Health Needs

Now that spring is just around the corner, we are all looking forward to milder weather. If you have felt like you have been cooped up this winter, now is time to start thinking about getting out and taking care of your annual health needs. 

Remember just as we schedule tune-ups for our automobiles, it is also important to maintain our bodies to keep them running as smoothly as possible.  For example, if it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, you should schedule one now. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults 65 years and older have a complete eye exam every year or two to check for age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract and other eye conditions.

If you feel like you are having difficulty following conversations, especially in a crowd of people, you should have your hearing tested. We encourage you to sign up to attend our monthly Hearing Clinic. In addition don’t forget about your teeth as that can lead to bigger problems, and remember even older adults can still get cavities. It is recommended you have your teeth cleaned and examined by a dentist each six to nine months. Regular health maintenance should also include having your blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels, and weight checked out by your primary care physician or by our Wellness Clinic. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, our holistic approach to senior retirement living is defined by providing all of the services, amenities and compassionate care to our residents for a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to set up a tour to see firsthand our gorgeous, loving home. 

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, you will find we are uniquely one of a kind!

It is Never Too Late to Improve the Health of Your Bones

It is estimated that approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million Americans have low bone mass, which puts them at an increased risk for osteoporosis. People may be unaware they have the disease until they fall and fracture a bone as osteoporosis does not exhibit any clear signs or symptoms. While the disease affects both men and women, older white and Asian women (especially those post-menopausal) are at the highest risk. Studies show one in every two women and up to one in four men age 50 years or older will break a done due to disease. Furthermore injuries can lead to serious complications and twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year of surgery. Many others require long-term care. 

The National Osteoporosis Foundation says it is never too late to take steps to protect our bones and prevent fractures (broken bones), and urge us to take action by adopting health habits that build and protect our bones. One step is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables as well as calcium and vitamin D. Exercising regularly is another important component and should include weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Also avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day. 

An early diagnosis can also make a difference as osteoporosis is a disease that can be treated as well as prevented. A safe and painless procedure called a bone mineral density (BMD) test uses a special machine to measure bone density. It tells you the amount of bone mineral you have in a certain area of bone and can be done on different bones in your body such as hip, spine, forearm, etc. In addition common health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis, breast and prostate cancer, and diabetes can increase you chance of getting osteoporosis. 

As one of the area’s finest senior retirement homes, MorningStar of Boulder offers the services and programming that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Please visit our website to learn more about our loving and compassionate community. Also ask about our limited time offer of $1,000 savings per month (up to six months) for memory care residents. 

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. We invite you to schedule a tour to experience unparalleled senior retirement living. 

Source: nof.org/preventing-fractures/prevention/

What are Your Options for Senior Living?

The population of aging adults continues to grow and so does the demand for quality housing solutions and services.   To make it easier for people to find senior housing that best meets their needs, the following is an explanation of the terms you will come across while shopping for a new home for you or your loved one.  

One popular senior living option is referred to as “independent living.” These are apartments or suites designed specifically for older adults who want the advantages associated with senior living communities, but do not require any assistance.   Residents benefit from the amenities, activities and companionship of community living.  While each community differs, services may include light housekeeping and laundry as well as on-site beauty shops and spas, exercise rooms and wellness classes.  Some communities also provide emergency response at night.  

Another term used to describe senior living is “assisted living.”  This is housing that is geared toward those who need various levels of assistance with their daily activities.  Generally a resident’s needs are evaluated and agreed upon with the senior and their family.  Assisted living communities provide daily meals as well as around-the-clock care to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.  Most facilities offer wellness programs, social activities, housekeeping services, 24-hour care, scheduled transportation and more. 

Lastly another form of senior living is “memory care” that is devoted to the specialized care of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  The best communities offer their residents comprehensive care that includes recreational and purposeful activities, scheduled outings and daily health monitoring.   

We invite you to take a look at MorningStar at RidgeGate.  We have a choice of independent living, assisted living and memory care options.  Our spacious, private suites are available in a variety of well-designed floor plans and have details reflective of those found throughout our beautifully appointed community.

MorningStar at RidgeGate offers the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in the area.

Help Us "Cast a New Light on Senior Living"

At MorningStar Senior Living, we feel it is our privilege and responsibility to cast a new light on senior living by following a set of foundational principles.  We genuinely believe in caring for and loving the residents of our communities and that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless.  Our mission includes honoring God in all of our business practices and relationship and staying true to strong moral values and ethics.  As a MorningStar team member, you will help us to enhance our residents’ quality of life and to create special moments for them. 

We know that our team is essential to fulfilling our mission, which is why MorningStar offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.  In addition we understand that family is important and try to provide all our team members with flexible schedules that work for their families.  And while our company was founded on Judeo-Christian values and we feel very comfortable talking about God, we welcome all faiths in both our employees and residents. 

Our six beautiful Denver area MorningStar communities are true homes for our residents and filled with love, compassion, laughter and dignity.  As our mission is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, we invest generously in our team’s ability to serve our residents.  Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Dayton Place in Denver; MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial; MorningStar of Littleton in Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate in Lone Tree; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge in Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar in Parker.  Then visit our Career page for information about the various assisted living jobs in Denver.    

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 wish to serve, please visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for information on how to apply to assisted living jobs in Denver.

MorningStar at Jordan’s Compassionate and Caring Team

One essential thing that sets MorningStar apart from other senior living communities is our unique approach to service.  At MorningStar at Jordan, all of our new team members are trained in our proprietary service program known as “Radiance.”  The program is much more than just a way to offer customer service to our residents but rather our brand standard of Service Excellence. 

The very essence of Radiance begins in a deep and sincere place, much like a beam of light, and celebrates an attitude of selflessness.  The program provides us with a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others and is the basis for how we dispense service - through warmth, sincerity and depth.  Along with introducing the program to each new team member, we also will be reiterating and strengthening the program’s concepts during daily short meetings called the “Huddle.” 

In 2003, MorningStar was founded on the premise that the company will operate with “servants’ hearts” and the Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take our service professionalism to the next level.  We recognize that the heart of each MorningStar community rests in the quality of our caregivers, which is why we hire individuals who have a calling to serve seniors and understand the importance of their contribution.   

MorningStar at Jordan’s goal is to have a compassionate and caring team with a ready smile for our residents as well as the time to listen to a story and lend a helping hand where needed.   We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our community and most assuredly the best assisted living and memory care.  

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.

Scrapbooking is Fun Activity to Do with a Senior

If an elderly parent is in assisted living and has limited mobility, you may feel it is difficult to think of things to talk about or to do when you visit. By organizing an activity such as scrapbooking, it can help to keep everyone engaged as well as inspire your loved one to start sharing stories about the “good old days.” As you start documenting their life story, it will likely bring back memories they may have forgotten and/or ones the rest of the family knows nothing anything about. 

To get started, visit your local craft store or shop on the Internet for scrapbooking supplies that will help you create a book that is uniquely your parent’s. Your next step is to help gather and organize the photos and materials in chronological order that will go into the scrapbook. 

If the project seems too overwhelming for your parent, have them pick a theme such as family vacations or weddings through the years, or do one that focuses on their childhood and early years. Before you start to glue things in, take the time to layout the photos and mementos for each page; and most importantly, encourage and enjoy the stories and memories shared by your loved one. At MorningStar of Boulder, our residents recently enjoyed putting together a series of scrapbooks containing photos of fun outings and activities we taken together as a community over the past few years. 

As one of the nation’s top assisted living companies, MorningStar of Boulder is committed to providing seniors with carefree retirement years. Along with our resort-style amenities and beautiful private suites, we offer a whole range of wellness programs and activities including many arts and crafts projects. Visit our website to learn more about availability and pricing. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior retirement 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. Dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting, we invite you to schedule a visit to one of the area’s finest senior retirement homes.

The Many Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

Research shows that one of the best benefits of exercise is a longer life. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that even gentle, regular exercise such as walking or swimming can increase a seniors’ lifespan by approximately three to five years. 

Regular exercise is also attributed to preventing fall, which is a big problem for elderly adults and can have serious consequences. WHO explains that regular exercise improves muscle strength and bone density as well as improves balance. Statistics indicate regular exercise reduces the risk of hip fractures by up to 40%. 

Seniors who participate in regular exercise can help to reduce their risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Bone density is improved by doing weight-bearing exercises such as walking or jogging. The risk for other common health conditions such as stroke or heart attack are reduced by doing exercises that raises the heart rate and increases blood flow. 

Research also suggests exercise may help to delay or reduce the risk of developing dementia. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, staying physically active appears to be as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Another unexpected benefit is elderly adults appear to feel more confidence and independent. 

So how much do older adults need to exercise to receive the most benefit? WHO recommends that seniors do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic physical activity a week. Aerobic activity should be done in at least 10 minute intervals. WHO also states older adults with poor mobility should “perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.” 

MorningStar of Boulder’s senior retirement living includes assisted living and memory care. We offer 48 assisted living suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans with some over 700 square feet. Our Reflections Neighborhood provides 46 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment.

Before starting any physical exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

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

Discover the Love Beneath Our Roof

If would love to be part of something special and work for a place where life is enriched, stories are shared, and lives are cherished, we invite you to take a look at the various openings in our Denver area MorningStar Senior Living communities.  We are a company that has always recognized that our team, especially the front-line staff, is the very heartbeat of our brand.  This is why we seek exceptional individuals with a felt calling to serve to join our intentionally created culture that allows employees to thrive professionally as well as professionally. 

While it is rewarding in itself to be a caregiver at an assisted living or memory care community, it is also gratifying to have your hard work appreciated as reflected by a family’s comment regarding the MorningStar at RidgeGate community.  They write, “I would say there a culture of love and caring here unlike other senior living communities that I have visited.”  Another example comes from a daughter of a resident who let us know how grateful she was to the staff for the excellent care given to her mother.  She says, “I thank all of you for the care and kindness you gave to my mom. I was always greeted with a smile and a kind word.”

A resident from the MorningStar at Jordan community may say it the best.  “A ‘hero’ isn’t just someone who rescues you from a burning building. It’s someone who hands you an object three inches beyond your reach (for with my Parkinson’s, three inches might as well be a mile). For that reason alone, MorningStar staff is my heroes.”

If working for a company with core values of love, kindness, honesty, goodness, fairness and respect sounds like a welcome relief from workplace environments that do not come close to embracing these views, MorningStar Senior Living is the place for you.  Please visit our website for more on assisted living jobs in Denver.  

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.  For a rewarding career, visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for information on caregiver jobs in Denver.

Good Nutrition is More Important than Ever for Seniors

Unfortunately, many seniors do not eat well and are at risk for poor nutrition and even malnutrition, which is often misdiagnosed as a disease or illness. In fact the A Place for Mom website states “Malnutrition is seen in varying degrees in the elderly, along with varying vitamin deficiencies.”

There are a number of reasons seniors do not eat well including physiological changes such as a decrease in basal metabolic rate and physical activity that reduces caloric needs.  In addition older adults experience changes in kidney function and a redistribution of body composition, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems and a change in taste and smell.

All this can depress appetite which means the foods elderly adults do eat is more important than ever.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.”  They recommend elderly adults avoid foods high in empty calories such as cookies, soda, potato chips and alcohol and instead concentrate on a diet of nutrient-rich foods low in saturated and trans fats as well as cholesterol.      

Not only does a nutritional diet help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, bone loss, type II diabetes, and some cancers, it can help people to better manage those diseases.  A healthy diet can also give seniors more energy and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan not only agrees that a good diet is important for seniors but we practice it every day.  Our residents dine on three healthy, delicious daily meals served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room and prepared by our Executive Chef.  We encourage you to contact us to learn more about our resort-style amenities and loving, caring staff.    

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar Assisted Living and 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. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about why our community provides a true home to our residents.

Free Services Offered by Medicare

Many seniors on Medicare are unaware of some of the benefits provided that make it easier to take better care of your health. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), free preventive care was expanded including a range of free services to Medicare recipients. 

One of the services offered to a new Medicare recipient is a “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit during the first 12 months you are on Part B. During your visit, your physician will review your medical history and screen you for a variety of conditions including a risk for depression and update vaccinations. They will also discuss future services you may need. If you have already been on Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, you are eligible for a free annual wellness visit. Please keep in mind that while this visit is offered at no cost, your doctor may order tests or procedures not covered by Medicare.

Other wellness services offered to Medicare recipients at no cost include an annual screening mammogram. (If you have a diagnostic mammogram, you will be responsible for a copay and a Part B deductible.) If you are a senior with a history of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, high blood sugar levels, or other qualifying conditions, you are eligible for two free diabetes screenings a year.

If you are not at risk for colorectal cancer, you are entitled to a free colonoscopy once every ten years. Anyone at high risk is eligible for a colonoscopy every 24 months. All males on Medicare are eligible for an annual free PSA test. Additionally Medicare will pay for annual flu shots, vaccines to prevent pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, and shots for hepatitis B (for those at high or medium risk). Currently the Shingles vaccine is not covered by Medicare Part A or B (check to see if it is covered by your supplemental plan). 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior retirement 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. As one of the premium assisted living companies in the nation, we are committed to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting.

Source: 
aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2017/medicare-free-medical-tests-fd.html?intcmp=Outbrain&obref=obnetwork

Study Shows Older Adults in Senior Living Require Less Hospitalization

A Place for Mom recently posted the results of a study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, which was published in the journal, The Gerontologist. The study focused on “vulnerable” seniors, who were defined as older adults with moderate or low incomes who lived alone. The purpose of the study was to “understand how the senior living environment can mitigate the effects of multiple chronic conditions on hospitalizations.”

Hospitalization information from participants in the 2002-2012 Health Retirement Study was compared with the results of the question, ““Is your home part of a retirement community, senior citizens’ housing or another type of housing that offers services for older adults or someone with a disability?” Results showed that older adults with multiple chronic conditions in senior living communities were less likely to experience high levels of hospitalization than those who lived alone. Researchers believe there are positive effects accrued from the various support services available in senior housing environments, which help vulnerable elders to better manage their health conditions. 

At MorningStar of Boulder, our primary job is to provide all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritually and social wellbeing. As one of Boulder’s top assisted living community, residents are provided with 24/7 Care Managers, access to licensed nurses, Medication Managers, care plan reviews, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, scheduled physician visits, pharmacy services, transportation to doctor appointments and much more. In addition we offer a wide range of wellness programs and activities that are sure to keep you as busy as you like. 

Please visit our website to learn more about our “passion to serve seniors.” While you are there, use our convenient online links to inquire about availability and pricing or to set up 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 may be many senior retirement homes in the area, we are uniquely one of a kind! 

Source: 
aplaceformom.com/blog/better-health-lower-levels-of-hospitalization-in-senior-living/

Facts and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease.  In the U.S. alone, nearly one million people will be living with the disease by 2020 and as many as 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.  While there is not a cure for the disease, there is treatment; however anyone with symptoms needs to have a medical diagnosis in order to rule out other causes.

The Mayo Clinic’s website provides a list of some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s.  The first sign can be a tremor that affects one hand and a person may frequently exhibit a back-and-forth rubbing motion of the thumb and forefinger known as a pill-rolling tremor.  Tremors usually occur while the individual is at rest, and can affect the hands, limbs, and posture.

Another common sign of the disease is slowed movement known as bradykinesia. This can worsen over time and eventually affect a person’s ability to walk well or have trouble getting up out of a chair.  In some cases one foot may drag, making walking even more challenging.

Other symptoms of the disease include rigid muscles and stiffness within any part of the body, and impaired posture and balance that may cause a person to become stooped or lead to falls.  The disease can also cause a loss of automatic movements such as blinking, smiling or swinging your arms as you walk.  In addition many people experience changes in their speech such as speaking in a monotone or more softly, more quickly or with a slur.

Finally many people suffering from Parkinson’s have problems writing.  Often their writing becomes smaller and it is more difficult to do because of the tremors.   

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar at RidgeGate, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  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 learn more about our exceptional community.

Sources:parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Causes-and-Statistics/Statistics#simple-table-of-contents-3, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028488

You Can Make a Difference in a Senior’s Life

You may not think a housekeeper, dining room server or bus driver at a senior living community makes much difference in the lives of the residents but we want you to know it does.  At our six Denver area MorningStar Senior Living communities, we consider each and every employee, regardless of their position with us, to be an integral part of the success we have had in creating loving homes for seniors.   

Take it from us, working for MorningStar at Dayton Place in Denver; MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial; MorningStar of Littleton in Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate in Lone Tree; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge in Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar in Parker, is a unique experience.  For example, to help us advance MorningStar’s mission, we ask employees to join us in valuing all senior as contributing individuals and to treat each resident with the respect and dignity they deserve. 

Also we have proudly created an enviroment that motivates team members to use their special talents to serve residents and provide the tools they need to contribute to our mission.  Each team member is encouraged to build loving friendships with our residents and to treat them as grandparents.     

So while our dedicated housekeeping team takes pride in maintaining a spotless home for our residents, they are also encouraged to listen to the many stories and memories residents’ want to share while their suites are being cleaned.  Housekeepers feel good knowing they have done a good job - and feel even better when the residents tell them how much they appreciate their hard work.  The same goes for our dining room servers and other team members who are encouraged to take the time to build caring relationships with our residents and to help create a family environment. 

In addition to our dining room servers and housekeeping jobs, our Denver communities have openings for Care Managers and other assisted living jobs.  Please visit our website for details on how to apply.  

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.  For a rewarding career, visit the Join Our Team page for information on various assisted living jobs including housekeeping jobs in Denver.

Learn More About MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar at Jordan offers 55 bright suites for assisted living and another 29 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We understand that you may not be familiar with MorningStar Senior Living so we are ready to answer any and all questions you have through a phone call or by setting up a tour to see our exceptional community.   In the meantime we encourage you to browse through our website and read about the exceptional care and resources we offer. 

One good place for general information is at our Family Resources section that offers a whole range of answers to FAQs.  It is here you will find that MorningStar was founded in 2003 in Denver and that we are not just a family of senior living communities, but of senior loving homes.  We consider our residents the heroes and recognize it is our “privilege to serve and our pleasure to love all beneath our roof.”  And while we are rooted in Judeo-Christian beliefs, we welcome all faiths in our residents and team members. 

Other questions that get answered include information about our age requirements.  It is 62 years or older for our independent suites, assisted living and memory care.  And in case you wondered, of course couples are welcome and a suite can also be shared by friends who enjoy one another’s company.

While pricing is discussed, we encourage you to contact us for more precise information.  As a general overview, our apartment suites’ monthly rental fee is based on square footage, location within the building and views.  If you or a loved one will be in an assisted living suite, we offer five levels of care that are established after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director.  Medical and non-medical auxiliary services are priced a la carte.   Memory care is all-inclusive and residents are charged one package price.  Please see our website to learn more about MorningStar at Jordan and for contact information.  

MorningStar Assisted Living and 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.

Strong Social Connections are Beneficial for Any Age

Studies show that socialization is a key component to a senior’s overall health and can help to reduce stress and anxiety and maintain cognitive health as well as improve longevity. Conversely older adults who are isolated have been found to be more at risk for a range of health problems including cardiovascular disease and depression. 

Researchers also found that the more social a person is the more likely they are to exercise on a regular basis. This is important as older adults are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including osteoporosis, heart trouble, cancer and chronic illnesses that can benefit from exercise. In addition daily exercise can prevent muscles and bones from deteriorating in old age. A good way for older adults to exercise is at a community class designed for seniors as you have the opportunity to socialize and to stay motivated. 

Senior retirement homes such as MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder provide seniors a healthy lifestyle designed around comfort, wellness and community. Our mission is to care for residents’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs within a loving, secure setting. MorningStar’s monthly calendar consists of a range of exercise classes, arts and crafts projects, and enjoyable, challenging games. We also have fun celebrating holidays and hosting special events and outings. 

Opened in the fall of 2015, MorningStar of Boulder offers 48 assisted living suites, with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans as large as 700 square feet. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 46 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Please visit our website to learn more one of the area’s finest senior retirement homes. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care 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. We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience unsurpassed senior retirement living. 

Source:

actsretirement.org/latest-retirement-news/blog/2017/12/12/the-importance-of-socializing-for-seniors/

How to Make the Most of Your Next Doctor Appointment

Dr. Danielle Ofri, author and associate professor of medicine at New York University, recently wrote an in-depth article for the New York Times detailing the strategies seniors can use to get more out of their next doctor appointment. She starts by explaining that you should take a few minutes to figure out what you want to get out of the appointment. Ask yourself if this is just a well visit or do you have something specific you want to discuss with the doctor such as a new symptom or problem. It might be you wish to discuss changes in your diet or lifestyle or to bring up topics such as end-of-life preference? 

Dr. Ofri stresses that quality is better than quantity and being focused on a couple of things you hope to accomplish from the appointment will probably result in more specific answers. Also scheduling regular appointments will give you the time to concentrate on your various needs. 

To ensure your doctor has the information he or she needs, write down all the medications and dosages you are taking beforehand, including any herbal supplements and vitamins. If it is easier, bring all your pill bottles so the staff can go through your medications and daily dosages. Remember your insurance information, and if it is a new doctor, bring along your health records. 

Another important part of a successful doctor visit is communication. Always keep in mind you are your own best advocate and want to make sure you are clearly heard. Experts suggest you keep track of the time to make sure your primary concerns are covered. Furthermore do not bring up new problems right at the end of the visit but rather schedule a new appointment to discuss those issues. Most importantly the experts say to not leave the office until you completely understand your treatment plan. If you need, ask one of the nurses to go over the doctor’s instructions with you. After you leave, go over everything that occurred during the visit including treatment plans and recommendations for any follow-up appointments and write down anything you may forget.

MorningStar of Boulder is proud to be one of area’s finest assisted living communities. Our residents’ health is our first priority and we provide all of the amenities and services required to accomplish this. Please visit our website to learn more. 

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. We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience unsurpassed senior retirement living. 

Source: bethesdahealth.org/seniors-can-better-doctors-appointments/