Communication Tips for the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association has some effective tips for communicating with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.  As the ability to find the right words or to speak at all is one of the effects of the devastating disease, it is helpful to learn some tips to make the communication process easier.    

Typically in the early stages of the disease, individuals repeat themselves often and can easily lose their train of thought.  They may start to avoid speaking and have trouble following a conversation, and may even use gestures rather than words. Experts suggest at this stage that you make sure to address the person directly, don’t speak through a caregiver, and allow them plenty of time to answer you back.  

The middle stages of the disease can signal lots of changes and usually lasts the longest.  If you wish to speak with the individual, make sure to do it in a quiet space without any distractions.  Your questions should be short and only require a simple yes or no answer, and again, look directly at the person.  In addition you can demonstrate the task or give clear, step-by-step instructions. Also use a soft voice and calm demeanor, and above all else, be patient and loving.       

In the late stages of the disease, which can last from a few weeks to several years, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests using nonverbal forms of communication.  When entering the person’s presence, always identify yourself and use the sound of your voice to convey the meaning of your words.  Experts recommend using touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to communicate, and as always, treat the individual with respect and dignity.  

As one of the top assisted living companies in the nation, MorningStar’s goal is to create communities that are a true “home” for our residents.  In addition to assisted living, MorningStar of Boulder’s Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, loving memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

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 in Boulder, Colorado.

Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/communications

Helping Your Elderly Parents Update and Organize Their Paperwork

If your parents are elderly and in poor health, they may need some help organizing and updating their paperwork.  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests that lending your parents a hand with this task may be one way you can help even if you live out-of-state and not able be assist in their day-to-day care.  Updated paperwork is also helpful to you and other caregivers in the case of a medical crisis or if you are asked to weigh-in on financial, legal or other medical decisions.   

The experts offer several tips on what you need to gather and should include your parents’ medical records and a current list of medications and dosages.  Also, you want any record of their sources of income and assets such as bank accounts, pensions, life insurances, IRAs, 401(k)s, and other investments.  You additionally will need a list of their liabilities including if they own a home, find out what their monthly/annual obligations are including mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance.

This is a good time to find out if they have a will or to discuss with them any plans they may have already made or need to make regarding advance directives including a durable power of attorney.  Planning for future health care decisions is important as it ensures a person gets the medical care they want if they are unable to speak for themselves.   

You will probably need to plan on spending some time with your parents in order to get everything organized but it will be worth it in the long run.  The NIA cautions that older people can be protective of their personal and financial information so be respectful.  Try to get them to understand that you are not being nosy but rather want to be prepared in the event of an emergency.    

If your parent needs more care than they can get at home, please consider MorningStar at Jordan.  Our luxury assisted living home is designed to meet the needs of seniors with resort-like amenities and a care team that feels honored to serve seniors. 

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.

Make Your Parent’s Transition to Assisted Living Easier

At MorningStar of Boulder assisted living and memory care community, we understand seniors may feel anxious when facing a move into assisted living.  Often the decision is necessitated by a sudden change in the person’s ability to continue to live safely at home.  Even if the decision is of a more gradual nature, it is still a big change; but there are things family members can do to help make it a smoother transition.   

One thing that experts agree on is that you need to remember to include your senior parent or loved one in on the plans.  This starts with including them in the process of choosing the community - remember it will be their new home. When you forget to ask for their input, it can make them feel as if they are losing their independence.  While it is time consuming to visit senior retirement homes, we suggest you only take your parent with you after you have narrowed the choices down to a couple. Be sure to encourage their opinion and make sure they have an opportunity to ask questions during the community’s tour.  

Another thing your loved one will most likely need is help with the moving process.  If they are still living in the family home, they will have to do lots of downsizing, which in itself can be stressful.  Trying to decide what is important to keep, what to give away to family or friends, and what to donate or sell is not easy.  Keep in mind the move to their new home will be smoother if they have familiar furnishings and treasured mementos around them.  Also, while respecting their feelings, gently remind them their new home may be smaller and they do not want to be overwhelmed with too much “stuff.” 

MorningStar of Boulder is proud to offer residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Located on the southeast side of the celebrated mountain town of Boulder, we offer 48 private assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 46 suites devoted to the care of those with memory impairments.  Contact us for more information.

MorningStar of Boulder represents the finest in senior retirement homes with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Join a Company of Servant-minded Leaders

With the help of God’s grace and the depth of our convictions, MorningStar’s mission is to make a difference in the world with purpose-driven, servant-minded leadership.  Thus we are building a team of extraordinary individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors, and to treat them with the respect and dignity befitting the heroes they are.   

At our MorningStar Denver area senior living communities, we have set the bar high in terms of the kind of service we strive to provide to our cherished residents.  Our various residential homes offer independent living, assisted living and memory care and are located in Arvada, Centennial, Littleton, Lone Tree, Wheat Ridge, and Parker, Colorado.  At all of of our homes, our mission is to create a culture of love, kindness, honesty, goodness, fairness and respect (our core values) as we cast a new light on senior living.   

As a team member, you will be asked to set an example of decency, good manners, and polite conversation.  Each new employee, regardless of position, will be trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence initiative, where you will learn our Code of Civility.  We use this to help guide our interactions with fellow team members, residents and their families as we build one relationship at a time.   

We currently seek individuals with a felt calling to serve to fill a variety of assisted living jobs that include: care managers, medication care managers/QMAPs, dining room servers, and wellness nurses as well as housekeeping jobs throughout our Denver communities.  These are full and part-time positions.  Moreover as MorningStar homes are 24/7 operations, our shifts vary and include nights and weekends.  Please visit our website for job descriptions and an online job application.  We look forward to you joining our MorningStar family! 

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 Career page for information on fulfilling assisted living jobs in the Denver area.

Preparing for Your Doctor’s Visit

How many of us have just left a doctor’s office when we realized we forgot to ask several relevant questions we had been thinking about.  This is why physicians suggest we take the time to prepare for each of our doctor appointments to ensure the best health outcome. 

Keep in mind the estimated time spent with the doctor is only about 7 minutes, so you need to be ready to communicate your concerns.  One of the first things to do to save time is create an updated list of all of the medications you are currently taking regardless of which healthcare provider prescribed it.  You can even bring the bottles with you so there are no questions about dosage.  Remember to include any over-the-counter drugs you take.    

Next, prepare a list of questions you have starting with the most important ones first.  The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends questions such as, “Do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Do you want to get a flu shot? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life?”  If you recently had lab or blood tests done, be sure to ask about the results.   

As many older adults worry they will forget the answers to their questions or treatment information, it may be helpful to bring along another pair of ears.  If you are having trouble following instructions regarding your care plan, ask to have the instructions repeated.   

If you suspect a medication you are taking is giving you problems, be sure to bring it up with your doctor.  If you are prescribed new medications, do not wait until your next appointment to let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing side effects.   

If you or a loved one is looking for one of the area’s top senior living residences, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Jordan.  We have 55 graciously appointed assisted living suites and 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

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: nia.nih.gov/health/how-prepare-doctors-appointment

Serving Others is a Powerful Pathway to Personal Growth

In today’s fast moving world, many of us do not feel connected to our communities and yearn for rewarding work.  Giving back and serving others is one way to make us feel more connected and allow us to make a real difference in someone’s life.  

As the author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping, and professor of preventative medicine at Stony Brook University, Stephen G. Post says a part of our brain lights up when we help others and sends out feel-good chemicals like dopamine, and possibly serotonin. Post explains, "These chemicals help us feel joy and delight -- helper's high.”  Common reactions include feelings of tranquility, peacefulness, serenity as well as a sense of trust and warmth.   

Throughout time great thinkers and religious leaders have praised the merits of help others.  In addition evidence-based research has found that “giving is a powerful pathway to personal growth and lasting happiness.”  Studies also show that it is not so much about how much we give, but whether we give it with love.   

The MorningStar senior living communities in and around the Denver area are seeking extraordinary individuals with a felt calling to serve to fill a variety of rewarding assisted living jobs.  Our positions include care managers, cooks, medication care managers/QMAPs, maintenance assistants, bus drivers, concierges, dining room servers and housekeeping jobs.  As our homes are 24/7 operations, our openings include evening and weekend shifts, and all of our positions offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.     

Our communities are not only beautiful designed and decorated but filled with kindness, love and the utmost respect for our remarkable residents.  To learn more about our career opportunities, please visit our website’s Career page and follow the link to “Assisted Living Jobs Denver.”  Here you will see our full list of job opportunities including: Care Manager, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Concierge, Cook, Dining Room Server, Maintenance Assistant and Housekeeping jobs at our Denver 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.  Please visit MorningStar’s website for details on a variety of assisted living jobs including housekeeping jobs in the Denver area. 

Source: huffpost.com/entry/volunteering7-reasons-why_b_6302770

MorningStar at Jordan Offers All the Services You Need

If you or your loved one needs more care with the activities of daily living, you may have already started to search for an assisted living home.  We want to introduce you to MorningStar at Jordan, which offers Centennial, Colorado area seniors incomparable assisted living and memory care.  Moreover, by offering 55 stylish assisted living suites in a variety of configurations, you are certain to find the perfect apartment.

To ensure you receive the appropriate care to address your needs, our move-in process includes sitting down with the Wellness Director and your family to discuss your medical history and current health conditions as well as personal preferences and routines.  From there we create an individualized care plan designed for your comfort and safety and approved by you and your family.  If or when something does change with your health, your family can rest easy knowing we conduct periodic health care reviews in order to reevaluate your needs.  

Your monthly fee is based on several things including the level of care you will receive (we have five levels), which was established after your evaluation with our Wellness Director.  Additionally as we offer a variety of apartments including studio, one-bedroom and two bedroom suites, your monthly rental fee is also determined on the square footage and the location and views of your suite.  Other various auxiliary medical and non-medical services are priced a la carte. 

Every resident will have an around-the-clock Care Manager and access to a full-time licensed nurse.  We also offer pharmacy services and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  Please see our website for the full list of our Care Services.  We are pleased to make senior living better than ever at MorningStar at Jordan.

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.

MorningStar at Jordan Offers a Holistic Approach to Wellness

At MorningStar at Jordan, our mission is to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  To ensure residents the finest assisted living and memory care, we define health and well-being holistically and back it up with an array of services and programming that support the whole person in mind, body and spirit.  

Wellness is enhanced through our Life Enrichment wellness programs and activities as well as through our Wellness Care Team.  At MorningStar, we have the expertise and authority to provide the level of resident care that can extend the stay of residents in spite of changing health conditions.  To this end, we pride ourselves on working hard to create solutions for residents and their families that result in higher quality of care at lower costs.   

Assisted living residents are thoroughly evaluated by our Wellness Director when they join our community, in order to create a care plan that is appropriate to their needs.  In addition, we do routine Care Planning Reviews and Scheduled Health & Wellness Evaluations to make sure residents continue to get the right amount of assistance as they need it. 

Our care services include 24-hour Care Managers and a CPR trained staff member on every shift, Licensed Nurses on call 24/7, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, and palliative/hospice care.  We also offer oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care, diabetic management and more.  Our residents are provided transportation to medical appointments, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services.  Please visit our website to read the full list of all of our services, and if you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to give us a call.   

MorningStar at Jordan is proud to be one of the top Centennial, CO area senior living residences.  To learn more, we invite you to set up a tour to see for yourself why our community was named as 2018 “Best Of” Assisted Living by SeniorAdvisor.com. 

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.

Check Out MorningStar’s Career Opportunities in the Denver Area

We guarantee you will find our Denver area MorningStar communities are wonderful, vibrant places to work for.  Filled with love and laughter, our dedicated team of service professionals feels privileged to serve our beloved residents.  Within our six communities, we offer seniors the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and Parker Senior Living by MorningStar.   

Currently our list of vacant assisted living jobs vary in the necessary skills and experience required but all our positions need individuals who have “Great Hearts” and a felt calling to serve.  The MorningStar website’s Career page has a direct link to Assisted Living Jobs in Denver where you will find each community’s open positions, a detailed description of the jobs, and an online application.   

You will find joining our team provides you with the rare opportunity to work for a company built on a foundation of honoring God for the purpose of serving others as well as one with core values that align with your own.  As a valued MorningStar team member, you will be provided with the training you need to excel in your position as well as a chance to advance in your career as we promote from within as much as possible.  Some of our MorningStar team share stories of starting out as a caregiver and moving up through the company to managerial positions, VPs and Directors.   

The rewards of serving seniors are endless.  As the most heroic segment of our society, they too have many life lessons to teach us including reminding us of what is really important in our lives.  Please visit the MorningStar website, to see the complete list of 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.  With a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, we are recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  Please visit MorningStar’s Career page for more information on rewarding careers including caregiving and housekeeping jobs in Denver.

Looking for a Senior Living Community?

If you are starting to search for senior living, it is recommended that you take a tour of the community.  While all the beautiful pictures online or in a brochure can make a community look great, firsthand impressions go a long way toward getting a real feel of the place. 

Before your visit, make sure the senior living community you are interested in offers the options you want – independent living and/or assisted living.  If a family member needs memory care, is there a separate wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases? 

If you are looking for assisted living, please keep in mind it is important that you get it right the first time as it is hard on your loved one to get settled somewhere and then decide it is not a good fit.  During your tour, A Place for Mom, the largest assisted living referral service, recommends that you start evaluating the place from the moment you walk through the door.  Ask yourself, does it look clean and orderly as well as smell fresh?  Inquire about housekeeping services and how often private suites are cleaned, the costs involved, general maintenance of the community, and security.      

If you can, come during an activity so you can join in the fun.  This will give you a good idea of the staff’s friendliness around the residents.  Also arrange to eat lunch at the community as it will not only provide you with a firsthand taste of the food but allow you to leisurely enjoy time with other residents.   

MorningStar at RidgeGate strives to be the best senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area has to offer, and the wellbeing and comfort of our residents is our highest priority.   We have 124 stylish suites for independent living, including penthouses over 1800 square feet. In an adjoining neighborhood are 71 spacious suites for assisted living, with two-bedroom, two-bath floor plans. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment. Visit our website to conveniently schedule a tour or give us a call.  We look forward to meeting you and your family.   

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 senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area offers. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/tips-for-touring-assisted-living

Don’t Wait to Serve, Now is the Time!

How many times have you said to yourself that you want to do something for others that will help you to feel more fulfilled?  Do you look around your community and wonder where your talents and compassion could best be put to use?  If you have always felt a special connection to seniors, have been privileged to be dearly loved by one, or just intuitively understand that now in their time of need, seniors deserve quality care, please consider one of our assisted living jobs.   

The Denver area MorningStar senior living communities are seeking individuals with a felt calling to serve to fill a variety of job openings.  Our positions require various qualifications and skills, but most importantly we are looking for people who have “Great Hearts” and wish to be part of something bigger by making a difference in the lives of our residents.   

On MorningStar’s website under our Career tab, we have a link to “Assisted Living Jobs in Denver.”  Here you will find the six area MorningStar communities looking for individuals to come join our team, a listing of the various positions, and a detailed description of each job.  We also have a link to an online application that makes it easy to apply.   

If you have never worked in senior living before and worry you may not be fully prepared to take on the task, rest easy.  Remember we hired you because we saw something special in you, and know you will be a great addition to our distinguished team.  Our job is to provide you with the targeted training, education and support you need to make sure you smoothly transition into your new role.    

At our MorningStar communities, we feel blessed to have residents teach us how to live, as they remind us that life’s deepest satisfaction is found when we give ourselves away in service to others. If you love the idea of working at a place that shares your values, we invite you to join our MorningStar family.  Please see our website for assisted living job openings and the Denver area communities that need them.   

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 jobs in Denver.

Have You Noticed Signs of Memory Loss in a Loved One?

Have you recently noticed some signs of memory loss or confusion in a parent or another loved one?  Are you worried it may be the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia?  We understand this may be a touchy subject to broach with your loved one, which is why experts recommend you do your homework first and learn about the common signs of the disease.    

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that Alzheimer’s can cause changes in cognitive abilities, executive function and behavior.  Those afflicted may start having memory problems along with difficulty completing familiar tasks.  They may also become confused as to time and place.  Other problems involve a marked change in their judgement and trouble with language skills and abstract thinking.  Mood swings or changes in personality can also signal Alzheimer’s.  All of these are common signs that can point to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia but only a specialist can make a diagnosis.  You should ask your parent’s healthcare provider for a recommendation to a neurologist who will perform tests to eliminate other causes for the behavior.    

If you are looking for senior living residences in the Denver area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan.  Along with 55 bright suites for assisted living, we have 29 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our holistic approach to memory care effectively uses the power of dance, music, art, exercise, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort residents.  Please contact us for more information about our compassionate, loving community, we look forward to meeting you and your family.    

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.

Our Beautiful Suites are Designed with Seniors in Mind

MorningStar of Boulder is senior retirement living at its finest.  Starting with a full array of amenities, services and fine dining along with entertaining and enriching activities, we are committed to providing residents with a carefree lifestyle.  Whether you are relaxing in our spacious common areas (inside or out) or in your own private suite, you will be proud to call MorningStar of Boulder home.

You will find our gorgeous selection of assisted living suites are designed to please the most discerning seniors.  Available in a range of configurations including studios and one- and two-bedroom floorplans (some over 700 square feet), each one is ready to move into and just requires your furnishings and personal items to make it feel like home.  Beautifully designed with high ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting, large windows, mini-blinds, and lots of lighting, our suites also offer safety features such as an emergency call system and handicap-accessible bathrooms. To ensure your apartment’s temperature is set for your personal comfort, your suite will have its own heating and a/c system.  

Furthermore, even though we provide delicious, nutritional meals each day, your assisted living suite is equipped with a kitchenette with refrigerator for the times you want to prepare your own snacks or meals.  Housekeeping and laundry and linen services are provided weekly and we do daily spot cleaning and trash removal. Most importantly we have a team of loving caregivers that are the type of individuals who feel privileged to serve and consider seniors to be heroes.  

As you can see, MorningStar of Boulder offers residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community and to inquiry about availability and pricing.  In addition to assisted living, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, loving memory care to those with Alzheimer’s and other types 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.

Stay Active & Connected at MorningStar

MorningStar at Jordan is an exceptional assisted living home is located in historic Centennial in the south-central area of Metro Denver.  Our entire community is designed to fulfill the various needs of residents in terms of care services, fine dining, and stimulating activities and programs.  To ensure residents stay connected and informed, we offer a library with multiple computers and newspapers, a theatre with Wii, and the revolutionary “It’s Never 2 Late” technology.   

iN2L is a state-of-the-art engagement system that combines touchscreen computers with intuitive, picture-based software to provide a fun and easy way for older adults to stay active and connected.  Its library is filled with 3,000 areas of interest and is designed to allow a person to effortlessly use a computer regardless of background and physical or intellectual abilities and limitations.  Topics covered include engaging social and spiritual connections as well as intellectual and physical stimulation, emotional support and vocational interests.   

Another exciting way to interact with iN2L is to create a “My Page, which is your personal collection of favorite games, email addresses, family photos and your most frequently, visited websites.  In this space you can share your history, receive updates and photos from family members, and connect with loved ones through a web cam.    

The iN2L system also has specialized engagement tools for seniors dealing with dementia and other cognitive disorders.  A range of programs and games have been specially designed by the experts with the goal to reduce anxiety, engage to refocus, entertain to redirect, or stimulate reminiscing conversations.   

MorningStar at Jordan offers 55 private assisted living suites as well as 29 secure memory care suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our goal is to provide a true home and our team works hard to give our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.  Please contact us for more information. 

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.

Is it Time to Consider a Memory Care Community?

Caring for a parent or a spouse with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is a difficult task.  As the disease progresses, families become concerned about their ability to keep the person well cared for and safe.  For some families, trying to hang on and care for a loved one at home may be creating a situation that is not optimal for the individual or the caregiver.  

Experts say there are signals that more care is needed such as is the person eating regularly and have they lost or gained an unusual amount of weight lately.  Do you suspect the person is missing medication doses or may be taking too much medication? Have they fallen recently? Have you found the burners on the stove left on?  Other warning signs may include aggressive behaviors, wondering, or forgetting where they are when they are out of the home. Neurologist Douglas Scharre, MD, director of the Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that “The main reason to move out of a home to assisted living is when there are not enough resources to safely care for the person with dementia at home.”

Another reason for more professional care, and just as important, is caregiver burnout.  Experts explain that you should not feel guilty if caring for your loved one is taking a toll on your own health and wellbeing.  They also suggest the person may be bored at home. Assisted living communities with dedicated memory care have activities geared toward those with dementia, and the person may find comfort in being around those in a similar situation.  

If it is time to look at assisted living companies which offer specialized memory care, we suggest MorningStar of Boulder.  Our loving community has 46 secure suites dedicated to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We have a deep understanding of the disease and feel it is our calling, and privilege to provide individualized memory care.  Please visit our website to learn more.

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 in Boulder Colorado.

Source:  caring.com/articles/move-parent-with-dementia-to-assisted-living

Work in a Supportive Environment that Values Your Service

To ensure our cherished residents get the very best care, the Denver area MorningStar senior living communities have built a team of service professionals who fell connected, empowered and called to serve.  It is a team that wholeheartedly invests in our resident-families as well as in one another.  It is a team encouraged to explore their special talents and to reach their full potential with lots of opportunities for advancement as we promote from within whenever possible. 

All of our Denver communities are beautifully designed and decorated “homes” that provide area seniors with top-quality independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Our posted assisted living vacancies encompass all aspects of operating our homes and include everything from care managers to concierges, housekeepers, food servers, cooks, medication care managers, and more.  As we are a 24/7 operation, our positions include full and part-time as well as day, weekend, evening and night shifts.  

MorningStar is proud to have a culturally diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer.  Moreover whether you are working in one of our director positions or housekeeping jobs, our Denver communities consider you to be an essential part of our team.  As such, you will be provided with the necessary training and mentoring to guarantee your success and will work in a supportive environment that has one goal – to provide outstanding service to our wonderful residents.  We also offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to all employees.

Please visit our website to learn more as we offer detailed descriptions of each assisted living job and an online application you can use to apply.  Our website also has lots of information on the MorningStar Company and on each of our Denver communities.  If you have a felt calling to serve, we invite you to become part of our loving MorningStar family.  

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 the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, visit MorningStar’s Career page for information on assisted living jobs in Denver.

Exercise Can Increase Lifespan

Exercise Can Increase Lifespan

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that, “even gentle, regular exercise such as walking or swimming can increase lifespan by around three to five years.”  They say it can also help prevent falls by improving muscle strength and balance as well as reduce the risk of chronic diseases, depression and cognitive decline.

Regular cardiovascular exercise such as walking, cycling or light housework (anything that raises the heart rate) helps to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack.  They increase blood flow to the heart and improve your overall health. In addition, many older adults, especially women, are at risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures.  These conditions benefit from weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, climbing stairs, dancing, or step aerobics. The WHO reports that exercise reduces the risk of a hip fracture by as much as 40%.  If you have osteoporosis, doctors advise against putting any sudden or excessive strain on your bones. Please check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercises as they can give you safe ones to do.    

The WHO also states that exercise is an effective remedy to improve many chronic health conditions including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.  They recommend older adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity each week.” They add that older adults with “poor mobility should perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.”

A study from the American Geriatrics Society published in the Science Daily, found that exercise training yields the most significant improvements in “functional balance, daily activity, fear of falling, and depression levels.”  Seniors who participated in regular exercise programs were also found to have more confidence and independence.

As one of the top assisted living companies in the nation, MorningStar’s goal is to create communities that are a true “home” for our residents and meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.  Our beautiful Boulder community offers assisted living and memory care along with a wide range of resort-style amenities and care services (including daily exercise).  Please see our website for more information.

Before starting any new exercises, please consult with your healthcare provider.

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 in Boulder, Colorado.

Sources:

who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_olderadults/en/

go4life.nia.nih.gov/exercising-with-chronic-conditions-heart-disease-diabetes-arthritis-and-osteoporosis/, sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070705123157.htm

Families Give “Thumbs Up” to MorningStar of Boulder

As MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Boulder is committed to providing the finest care and services, we always encourage feedback from our resident’s families.  We are especially gratified when our dedicated staff members are recognized for their efforts in helping to create a true home for our residents.  

One such comment that touched our heart and reminds us why we are here was from a resident’s daughter.  She writes, “My mother truly enjoys her home at MorningStar. Mom says the staff is caring, friendly, and helpful. She enjoys the vast variety of activities. Moreover, mom says the people who live there are kind and engaging. My sister and I are delighted — after all, if mom is happy, we are happy!”

We also feel honored to have a resident’s son write, “The staff at MorningStar Boulder are rock stars. My 91-year-old dad has dementia, but is highly functional physically. They are doing a great job keeping him happy and well entertained.” He goes on to say, “The staff seems genuinely interested in the well-being of their residents. The food seems to be high quality and fresh, and the premises are clean, modern and very home-like.”   

It also reaffirms our dedication to seniors when we hear from a resident’s family member about how MorningStar has made a difference.  She writes, “Our uncle has started to make friends, get stronger and healthier and re-engage in life due to the care and concern of the people at Morningstar. It is a relief to my husband & I to know he is being well cared for and we can be family again instead of care givers.”

Our goal is to be there for each resident as well as for their family members as we proudly provide one of the best senior retirement homes in the area.  As a resident, you will be served daily, nutritional meals prepared by our Executive Chef. In addition, you will find a whole host of amenities including a bistro, chapel/theatre, library (with computer), fireside patio, salon, general store and much more.  Residents also have a wide array of activities to choose from that include fitness classes, entertainment, games and special outings. We invite you to come join the fun!

MorningStar of Boulder represents the finest in senior retirement homes with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents.  Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Residents of Senior Living Communities Require Less Hospitalization

A Place for Mom 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 residences 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 at Jordan, our primary job is to provide all the services needed to support and enhance our residents’ physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing.  As one of Centennial, Colorado’s top assisted living communities, 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.   

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/better-health-lower-levels-of-hospitalization-in-senior-living/   

Socialization is Important for Seniors

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize.  However, as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.   

The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health.  Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”

The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.  Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression.

Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression.  One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network. 

As one of the top communities for senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area has to offer, MorningStar at RidgeGate offers a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit as well as find ways to learn and contribute.  Please visit our website to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home. 

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 senior living Highlands Ranch CO and the surrounding area offers. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive