Guidelines for Care Before and After Surgery Have Evolved

Like most everything else, standard procedures and guidelines for care before and after surgery have evolved in an effort to promote and speed recovery.  Dr. Charla Fischer, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Spine Center in New York City, suggests you think of surgery as a marathon or race.  She says, "The surgery itself is just the first part of the race – there is also the recovery after.”  So what you do before a planned surgical procedure and what you do after can all be part of a better outcome and even includes diet and exercise.   

One example is a change in the way a person is treated after surgery in many hospitals.  Now, rather than limiting patients to ice chips and intravenous fluids, they are served a meal.  In addition, people are encouraged to get up and move as soon as the night following surgery, which appears to hasten recovery.  However, doctors warn that people should be screened before surgery for conditions such as malnutrition, anemia, diabetes and pain, and if it is found they have any, it should be addressed.  

Also, find out what exercises would be helpful and doable before and after surgery, and what is not recommended.  Ask about your hospital’s rehabilitation program or the availability of a physical therapist.   After surgery, stay hydrated and be sure to eat a protein-rich diet and lots of fresh vegetables.  Another thing that will aid your postoperative recovery and overall health is to stop smoking.   

As a bigger percentage of surgeries are in people over 65 years of age, your doctor will let you know the type of screening that is required before surgery.  It will most likely include things such as cardiac health, functional status and history of falls, frailty and other factors.  

MorningStar of Boulder is a beautiful senior living community offering assisted living, memory care and respite care for seniors recovering from surgery or illness.   Please visit our website for more information about MorningStar and the many resort-style amenities and services we provide.

MorningStar of Boulder represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Boulder.     

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-for-recovering-from-surgery

Nutritional and Tasty Meals in Our Reflections Neighborhood

Along with 55 assisted living suites, MorningStar at Jordan has another 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Starting with the actual physical design right through to our holistic, compassionate care, every aspect of our memory care is designed to provide the best for our most tender residents including our food service.

Many individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have trouble using a fork and knife to eat with, which is why many memory care homes resort to serving finger foods like chicken nuggets, fish sticks, french fries and purees. The problem with this is while the food may be easy to eat; it is not very nutritional and lacks variety.

This is why the MorningStar communities have modified our memory care food service to one that avoids overly processed meals, and is both tasty and nutritional. Our menus consist of foods like pastas and other edible items wrapped in puff pastry sheets, egg roll wrappers and turnovers that are easy for residents to pick up and eat.

Our Chef also utilizes techniques such as mixing and molding soft, pureed food to resemble its pre-blended form. For example, residents might be served something that looks like blueberry French toast but is really a French toast puree that has been shaped and molded with binding agents. Also in normal times, we routinely welcome families to come and join us for a meal, and hopefully will be able to resume this tradition soon.

We want you to know that our entire dementia care team is honored to walk alongside the memory-impaired (and their families) on this unexpected journey. Please visit our website for more information. While you are there, be sure to read the update on COVID-19 from our Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Another Reason to Get Flu and Pneumonia Vaccinations

Not only do flu shots NOT make a person more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, a myth that has been around for years, but recent research has found evidence that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect you from Alzheimer’s.  This year’s 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference presented two studies that dealt with this very idea.  

The first study was from the University of Texas where they went through millions of medical records in a national database with the goal of finding factors that appeared to affect a person’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.  Albert Amran, a medical student of the McGovern Medical School at the university’s Health Science Center in Houston and an author of the study, relates that one of the commonalities was getting a flu shot.  Researchers took into account other risk factors for Alzheimer’s such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, education, and income as well as the number of prescriptions a person filled as a way to check their overall health.  Even after all that, Amran explained they found that “People who got at least one flu shot had a 17% reduction in risk, and people who got regular vaccinations saw their risk drop another 13%.

The other study presented at the conference was by a team of researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina.  Svetlana Ukraintseva, an associate research professor in the Biodemography of Aging Research Unit at Duke's Social Science Research Institute of Medical Records, said the team studied the medical records of more than 5,000 people at least 65 years and older.  In her presentation to the Conference, she stated they discovered individuals who had a “pneumonia vaccine before the age of 75 was at least 25% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.” 

While scientists are uncertain why flu and pneumonia vaccinations appear to protect seniors from Alzheimer’s, they have some theories.  One may be the fact that flu and pneumonia adversely affect the brain so protecting a person from the disease protects their brain from damage.  Another theory is that getting the flu or pneumonia can result in a general weakening of the immune system and ultimately allow more bacteria and viruses into the brain, putting them more at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.   

MorningStar of Boulder proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Boulder, Colorado offers.

Source:npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/27/894731147/flu-shot-and-pneumonia-vaccine-might-reduce-alzheimers-risk-research-shows

Did You Sleep Well Last Night?

Research clearly shows that getting enough sleep each night is important to our good health and well-being. In fact, doctors say it is as vital to one’s health as is regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, and the benefits extend into most every aspect of our lives.

While scientists are unable to directly link lack of sleep to weight gain, evidence suggests that it may interfere with our body’s ability to regulate food intake correctly. One study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, a publisher of high-impact research reports, commentaries, perspectives, and reviews, found that sleep patterns do affect the hormones responsible for appetite.

Getting enough sleep should also be an essential part of an athlete’s training regimen as adequate sleep helps to improve both physical and mental performance. A good night’s rest has been proven to refuel athletes and give them more intensity and energy as well as faster speed. Doctors recommend an average of 7 to 9 hours for most adults and up to 10 hours for athletes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that getting proper sleep each night allows the body’s blood pressure to regulate, and helps to reduce sleep apnea and promote better overall heart health. A study even suggests that inadequate sleep can result in a reduced ability to empathize with others, while another found a link between lack of sleep and depression. Others report inflammation and sleep may be linked including a recent study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that suggests “a link between sleep deprivation and inflammatory bowel diseases.”

To get a good night’s sleep, experts recommend going to bed around the same time each night and to avoid sleeping in later than you need to. Try to get plenty of exercise during the day and reduce stress with exercise or other therapies.

If you are looking for a relaxing, carefree lifestyle, and a comfy new home to lay your head in each night, we invite you to take a look at MorningStar at Jordan’s beautiful assisted living and memory care community. Offering senior living residences with stylish, smartly-designed suites, we are located in historic Centennial, CO, in the south-central area of Metro Denver. We are conveniently located near shopping, restaurants and health care facilities. Our community was meticulously built from the ground up to address the needs of our residents and to provide a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Contact us or visit our website to learn why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325353

Buying in Bulk is Not Always a Good Idea

Right now, many of us prefer to consolidate trips to the grocery store by stocking up on staples we know we will need at some point in the future.  While buying in bulk may seem like a bargain, consumer experts caution you may not actually be saving money in the long-run.  It turns out lots of foods and goods have a shorter shelf life than we think and many can degrade or lose their efficacy over time.  

A prime example is stocking up on laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies we know we will need in the future.  Here the problem lies in the fact that they may start to lose their cleansing and sanitizing power over time.  Experts say liquid laundry detergent is most effective if used within 6 months of opening and up to a year from purchase.  Chlorine products start losing their strength after about a year and other types of disinfecting wipes are generally good for about two years.   

Sunscreen also has a short shelf life and outdated sunscreen (all should have an expiration date) may put us at risk for sunburns, sun damage and skin cancer.  The FDA reports the same goes for trying to stock up on over-the-counter drugs, which can also lose some of their effectiveness and/or even cause unintended side effects.  

Food staples such as flours, cooking oils and spices all have a shorter shelf life than many think.  White flours typically are good for one year stored in a cool dry space or two years in the refrigerator.  Whole wheat flours are at their best for three months in the pantry, and one year in the refrigerator.  Olive and many vegetable oils are best three to five months after opening.  

At MorningStar of Boulder assisted living and memory care community, our residents do not need to worry about groceries as we gladly do the cooking!  Beautifully situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains on the southeast side of the city, our community was designed to meet residents' every need.  From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure their comfort and wellbeing.  Please visit our website for availability and pricing.  

MorningStar of Boulder represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Boulder.

Talking to Your Parent About Their Need for More Care

Many adult children of elderly parents complain that their parents do not listen to their advice. While that may be true, and if you feel like you are one of those, it may have something to do with your methods and delivery.

To start with no matter how old our parents are, many of them still think of us as kids. After all, to them it wasn’t that long ago they were telling us what to do. That being said, there are a few tips from the experts to help us talk to our parents more effectively regarding sensitive subjects including healthcare.

While generally it is best to not give unsolicited advice to a parent, there are times when it may be necessary. This includes a fear that they are putting themselves in harm’s way by not getting the care they need to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

To start the “conversation” the first thing you want to do is to pick your time and place. Don’t try to broach big problems at a family gathering or when you know your parent is tired or stressed. Once you do calmly tell them your concerns, give them the time to respond, and make sure you really listen. Ask thoughtful questions and see if they have a better solution.

Refrain from sounding condescending or argumentative, and remember you want to be supportive not controlling. In fact, you may find your parent had already come to the same conclusion you had regarding their care but are struggling with the idea of giving up some of their independence.

At MorningStar, we understand some of the angst that goes into making these types of lifestyle changes, which is why our website provides useful resources to help families through the process. We also encourage you to contact us to request a copy of “Senior Life: How to have the Best Conversation Ever with Your Elder Parent,” which offers an explanation of the relational and psychological constructs of aging and legacy. If you are looking for exceptional senior living in Centennial, CO, MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan may be your answer.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

The Benefits of Assisted Living at MorningStar of Boulder

If you or a loved one is in need of daily care to ensure your safety and wellbeing, you may be weighing options such as in-home care services versus assisted living.  Most experts suggest a good way to start is to make a list of all the areas in which you or your loved one needs assistance on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.  

From a strictly affordable standpoint (we know there is much more to it), the rule of thumb to determine if in-home care services or an assisted living community is less expensive is does the person require more than 40 hours of paid care a week?  If that’s the case, then assisted living is most likely less expensive.  

Also, remember that in-home care is a piecemeal approach and each additional service you need adds to the cost of care.  Moreover, in an assisted living community like MorningStar of Boulder, individuals receive 24/7 care from our compassionate, trained care managers in the activities of daily living (ADL).  Another benefit of our community is it is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobile aids as well as has bathrooms equipped with handicap grab bars, and suites equipped with emergency call systems.  

Many people get sticker shock when they learn how much they will pay for assisted living, but you need to remember that virtually all your living expenses including food as well as care services are factored in.  No longer will you pay out-of-pocket for home insurance, property taxes, heat, electricity, trash pickup, cable, and Internet service.  In addition, you will not be hit with unexpected repair bills and routine upkeep on your home.  

If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Boulder, Colorado’s MorningStar community encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our loving home. We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing.  Our beautiful community offers 48 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 46 secure suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  

MorningStar of Boulder proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us for more information about the finest assisted living Boulder, Colorado offers.

MorningStar’s Assisted Living in Centennial, CO

If you are a senior or have a parent or other loved one that needs more daily help to ensure their safety and wellbeing, it may be time to look into senior living communities offering assisted living. When you begin your search, please add the beautiful MorningStar at Jordan to the top of your list. We are conveniently located south of Denver, in Centennial, CO, near shopping, restaurants, medical facilities and other services.

Too often a senior is concerned that moving into assisted living will result in a loss of independence and freedom. They are afraid that assisted living communities are cold, institutional places that feel more like a hospital or nursing home. Moreover, many mistakenly believe it will mean a loss of privacy and the ability to make their own decisions.

All of this could not be further from the truth when you consider the reality of what MorningStar at Jordan has to offer. Along with beautiful private suites in a range of configurations and floor plans, a whole host of resort-style amenities, and 5-Star dining, our community also offers care services that help our assisted living residents maintain their sense of independence and dignity.

As we define health and well-being holistically, and offer services and programming that supports the whole person: body, mind and spirit, we believe it makes MorningStar a destination for successful aging. In addition, we have a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors and believes in our core values of love, respect, honesty, fairness, goodness, and kindness. They also support our mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships and values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals.

In fact, our goal is to provide a true home for our residents by creating a MorningStar family that includes residents and their families as well as our team members. Along with our 55 suites for assisted living, our community has 29 memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Would You Like Working at a Place Where Lives are Cherished and Celebrated?

How would you like working at a place filled with love and laughter, where lives are cherished and celebrated? If you have been searching for a workplace like this, let us introduce you to the MorningStar senior living communities of the Denver area. Openings are available at MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and MorningStar of Parker.

Another thing that sets us apart from other workplaces is the excellent reputation of the MorningStar brand for its mission and its ministry, which has made it easy for us to attract a team of extraordinary individuals with a felt calling to serve. So, if you do join our distinguished team, you will have the pleasure of working alongside men and women who support our unique mission of honoring God and valuing all seniors and understand it is a privilege to serve seniors. You will also come to know that senior living at its best is love in action, and you will help us prove it every day.

Our beautifully decorated homes are loaded with resort-style amenities and full care services that allow residents to enjoy an all-inclusive lifestyle. The available assisted living jobs in Denver, CO communities include care manager, medication care manager, cook, dining room server, concierge, housekeeping jobs, and more.

We are proud to support our team members with some of the most generous benefits in the industry. Compensation starts with competitive wages, and bonus or incentive opportunities (depending on position). In addition, employees are eligible for paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick time, birthday appreciation day, 401k plan availability, health savings account availability, uniforms, training and advancement opportunities. At MorningStar, we strive to make sure our team is paid well for the valuable services they provide our company.

For more information regarding each position and to use an online application, please visit the MorningStar website’s Career page. We are committed to investing generously in our team’s ability to serve, and are seeking to hire and retain employees who will use their creative minds and compassionate hearts to serve our residents.

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 for assisted living jobs in Denver CO.

What Can You Do to Lower the Risk of Cognitive Decline?

While there is no cure or medical treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s disease there is some encouraging news on how we can slow down the risk of the disease in our own life, even if we have a higher genetic risk.  Researchers say that several studies indicate that by following a combination of healthy lifestyle habits we lower our risk of cognitive decline, and the more of them we adopt, the better it is for us.  

The main health habits linked to slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s include regular exercise, cognitive stimulation, a brain-healthy diet, light to moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking.  In fact in one study, researchers from Rush University in Chicago found that participants who “followed four out of five lifestyle behaviors over a six-year period had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia when compared to people who practiced only one or none of these habits.” 

Another study from the University of California San Francisco reports that people who smoked had twice the risk of developing cognitive impairment as compared to non-smokers or to someone who had kicked the habit.  Also, a study out of the UK found that even those with an increased risk for cognitive decline who followed a healthier lifestyle had a 32% lower risk.  

So isn’t it time we all make an effort for better cognitive health as well as improve our overall health?  At MorningStar, our goal is to provide the best assisted living Boulder Colorado has to offer. We understand that a healthy lifestyle is important regardless of your age and we do our best to help our residents enjoy life on all levels.  We are also blessed to have a team of individuals working for us who are guided by big hearts and feel privileged to serve seniors.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Boulder proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Boulder Colorado offers.

Source: nbcnews.com/health/aging/can-alzheimer-s-be-stopped-five-lifestyle-behaviors-are-key-n1029441

Learn More About Assisted Living

Many families mistakenly think senior living and particularly assisted living is just a more luxurious nursing home. The fact is nursing homes are intended for people who are unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions and require around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Residents may be bedridden or in wheelchairs and receive ongoing palliative and preventative long-term care.

Assisted living is for seniors who are mostly independent but require help with what is known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and include things like dressing, bathing and other personal care activities. In some cases, people move into assisted living knowing that while they do not now need assistance with such tasks, they may need help in the near future.

Assisted living also makes sense for seniors who are looking for more companionship and love the security of knowing they are not alone. As many assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away. Another perk of MorningStar at Jordan is we offer scheduled transportation so you will never have to worry about getting to your doctor appointments and other important errands.

Moreover, while MorningStar’s suites vary from studios to two-bedrooms, all of our suites are smartly designed to make the most of the space they offer with high ceilings, bay windows (in most units), and both natural and overhead lighting. In addition, residents often tell us what a relief it was to give up their large family homes that were hard to keep clean as well as all of the maintenance required. Residents also enjoy weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services.

MorningStar at Jordan offers the kind of senior living Centennial, CO families have come to count on. We have 55 bright suites for assisted living and another 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Visit our website to learn more about our community, our amenities, and our services. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar at Jordan offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website for more details on the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Specialized Memory Care in Boulder, Colorado

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Boulder offers individualized, specialized care to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes.  

Our Reflections Neighborhood is clustered in a separate area of our community and is specifically designed to meet the needs of residents throughout the various stages of the disease.  The expansive area houses 46 secure suites and is intended to encourage residents to safely explore their surroundings.  

Normally, mealtimes in the Reflections Neighborhood are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together.  Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating. During the coronavirus outbreak, however, memory care residents still take meals in the dining room with tables spread out for social distancing.  In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and include finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. 

As dementia care specialists, we focus on nurturing and supporting the essence of the individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  In order to create an effective individualized care plan to guide our daily interactions and communication techniques, we meet with the senior and their family to learn as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and preferences even before they join our community.  Our specialized care incorporates music, art, dance, and aromatherapy to heal and comfort residents while taking into account the uniqueness of each person.   

Another thing that makes MorningStar of Boulder a special place for memory care is our loving, compassionate team who feels privileged to serve and is made up of men and women who willingly go the extra mile to meet the needs of our residents.  Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar of Boulder represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Boulder.   

This Year, Its Especially Important to Get a Flu Shot

Along with all of the health concerns regarding COVID-19, medical experts remind the general public that the best defense against contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says while wearing a mask is “an important preventive measure against airborne viruses such as the flu, there is no guarantee that they will prevent transmission completely.” So even if you are wearing a mask whenever you are out in public and/or unable to socially distance, experts stress you should still get vaccinated against the flu.

Part of the reason flu spreads so easily is a person can be contagious anywhere from 1 day before and up to 7 days after the individual is symptomatic, which means the spread of influenza can occur before the person is aware they have the virus and for days thereafter. Moreover, the flu can be transmitted indirectly by coming into contact with infected surfaces. Therefore, some of the same procedures we have adopted with COVID-19 such as regular hand washing and sanitizing shared surfaces will help reduce the spread. Also, mask wearing is not a guarantee against the transmission of the flu but can help reduce community spread.

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot appropriate for the person’s age and health status (with some exceptions) every season. For the most up-to-date medical advice, please talk to your health care provider about the flu vaccination.

If a loved one requires help with daily personal care activities or is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, we invite you to learn more about MorningStar of Jordan’s assisted living, memory care or respite care in Centennial, CO. We define health and well-being holistically and back it up with an array of services and programming that supports the whole person: mind, body and spirit.

MorningStar at Jordan embodies the finest senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We provide a true home for residents amid 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 for more information about our exceptional assisted living, memory care and respite care.

An Occupational Therapist Can Be an Important Member of Your Healthcare Team

As we age, we can experience health issues such as a stroke or other disabilities that may benefit from the services of an occupational therapist (OTs).  When asked, many people have no idea what an OT does; while others think they help individuals find work.  Actually, an OT may be an instrumental part of your healthcare team who will work with you to facilitate your best recovery.  If you are wondering what the difference is between a physical therapist (PT) and an OT, a PT focuses on restoring or improving movement, strength, and range of motion; while an OT works on improving the motor skills you need to perform daily tasks. 

If a loved one has suffered from a stroke, they may have lost the ability to perform tasks known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which include bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, grooming, etc.  The job of the OT is to teach the person how to carry out daily, functional activities despite the impairment in order to improve quality of life and maximize independence. 

For instance, if the stroke caused damage to one side of the body, an OT focuses on therapies that promote motor recovery.  One common intervention is to limit or constrain the person’s movement on the unaffected arm, while having them use the affected arm to do repetitive or functional tasks.  OTs may also recommend special equipment to improve their patients’ lives such as a wheelchair, walker, electric can opener or toothbrush, a special keyboard for the computer, or eating aids and then teach the person to use them.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder, we provide a wide range of amenities and services to ensure the comfort, wellbeing and safety of our remarkable residents.  In addition, if one of our residents requires OT, PT or other auxiliary services, we have trusted partners we will recommend.  Please visit our website for further information, and email us regarding pricing and availability.  

MorningStar of Boulder represents the finest in senior living with our distinct mission statement – “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents within a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Boulder.     

Looking for Assisted Living for Your Parent in the Boulder Area?

If your parent lives alone and you are worried that they need more personal daily care than you can provide, it may be time to look into other options.  One of those is assisted living, which focuses on providing residents the daily care they need to help them retain their independence.       

Especially now, you want to judiciously make the best, safest choice for your mom or dad.  To help you do so, experts offer a few suggestions of things to think about before you begin your search (obviously you want to respect mom or dad’s preferences and wishes).  They recommend that while you take into account your parent’s immediate needs, you also give some thought to their future needs.  So, find out if the home you are thinking about will be somewhere they can "age in place” and/or if there are limitations in terms of how much care the community provides.  

Your questions should include the level of care services they are licensed for as well as their limitations.  For instance, at MorningStar of Boulder our licensing provides us with a range of available care services that makes it possible for us to extend the stay of residents even as health conditions change. 

Unless a resident requires round-the-clock nursing (including the management of acute pain), MorningStar is honored, with the partnership of a hospice agency, to care for a resident through end-of-life.  In addition, as a licensed “Directed Level of Care” community, we care for residents within a secure environment (memory care) who, due to compromised cognitive ability, cannot recognize danger and, therefore, cannot respond appropriately and/or cannot express their needs.  

If you are considering assisted living, Boulder Colorado’s MorningStar community encourages you to contact us or visit our website for more information about our exceptional community.    We are a true home where the residents are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect; and MorningStar families know they can trust their loved ones to us.

While we know there are a lot of worrisome stories in the news about COVID-19 among senior living communities, MorningStar of Boulder wants potential families to understand that the care of those beneath our roof is our utmost priority.  To that end we are following protocols set forth by the CDC and other organizations in our fight against the virus; and are confident in our ability to safely accept new residents.   

MorningStar of Boulder proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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 create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Boulder Colorado offers.

Keeping a Connection to Your Grandchildren

Even without a worldwide pandemic going on around us, many of us live a distance away from our grandkids and we may only get the chance to see them once or twice a year. While long-distance relationships can be tough and make it hard to feel connected, you do not have to resign your to being left out of your grandkids’ lives just because of proximity.

There are several good ideas to help you stay connected even when you are not there in person such as FaceTime or Skype video calls. For little ones who can get restless pretty quickly, be ready to read a picture book, sing songs or tell silly stories. Along with calls for birthdays and holidays, be sure to do it often enough so you keep up with their quickly changing developmental milestones. If they are older, play games together, discuss a shared hobby, exchange jokes and riddles, ask questions, and then really listen.

Another way to stay connected is to start a family Facebook page. This is an easy, inexpensive way for any family member to post current pictures and to share day-to-day news as well as significant events. It also lets other members add comments. Also, do not forget about snail mail. Kids love receiving mail and answering you back is a good way to get them to practice the art of letter writing.

For grandkids who live close by and were used to seeing you several times a week, they may be wondering when they will see you again in person now that you are social distancing. Experts suggest you talk honestly to your grandchildren about the separation and keep reminding them it is only temporary. Tell them you have not forgotten them and that you will keep calling and they can keep calling you.

MorningStar at Jordan is safely accepting assisted living and memory care residents, confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. We are closely following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Senior Housing Association and Federal government. Visit our website for contact information and to learn more about MorningStar’s commitment to creating a true home for residents.

MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 provide outstanding assisted living, memory care and respite care.

MorningStar at Jordan’s Virtual Assistant

At MorningStar at Jordan, our goal is to provide residents with a true home designed for their comfort, wellbeing and security. Our community offers 55 beautiful assisted living suites with spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. We also have 29 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. In order to effectively reach all families interested in our community in a timely fashion, we have added a Virtual Assistant to our website.

The Virtual Assistant service lets you learn more about our community’s: Pricing, Request a Tour, Ask a Question, See Our Floor Plans, View Virtual Tour, or make a Job Inquiry. You can ask if there is anyone available to talk to at the time of your request or just send a message. If you simply wish to inquire about pricing and availability, you can also use our website link, just give us your name, email address, topic of interest and send along your message. We will happily get back to you within 24 hours.

To get you started, here are a few answers to frequently questions: residents of MorningStar at Jordan must be at least 55 years old, and yes couples are welcome to move in together and share the same suite. In addition, we welcome Companion Living, which is two unrelated people of the same sex sharing a suite in either assisted living or memory care. The benefits of Companion Living are not only the cost-savings but you can both look out for one another.

We are often asked if someone can move in who is not in need of assisted living services, and the answer is yes. MorningStar at Jordan provides a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals you no longer need to cook. We also give you peace of mind knowing that extended care is close by if the need ever arises.

We want you to know that MorningStar at Jordan is safely accepting new residents, confident in our protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit our website to use our new Virtual Assistant or give us a call.

MorningStar at Jordan offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website for more details on the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Join Us and Advance the MorningStar Mission

MorningStar Senior Living is a company of servant-minded leaders committed to advancing a mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team’s ability to serve. Our Denver area communities are currently recruiting men and women who understand the significance of serving others to fill various roles within our homes. Openings are available at MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and MorningStar of Parker.

We seek men and women with big hearts who would love to work for a company that shares their values and wants to grow professionally as well as personally. As one team member explains, “I first started in assisted living as a part-time job while in EMT school, and was hooked immediately…by the magnitude of need, the powerful sense of family, and the big difference I could make in so many lives. What better career than senior living! In exchange, seniors teach me so much: humility, loyalty, discipline, honor and character. The way they talk about their lives can sound like fiction, but then you look into their eyes and know it is all true.”

From the start, MorningStar’s Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, had specific designs on how to foster the ultimate environment for the well-being of seniors as well as an environment where employees would flourish. Thus we are committed to building a team of service professionals who feel called, connected and empowered. Guided by a mission statement that includes investing generously in our team’s ability to serve, we provide all employees training in our proprietary service excellence initiative called “Radiance.” Also, as we provide memory care, team members receive training in Lavender Sky, our holistic approach and philosophy to memory care that helps staff better understand Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.

In addition to training and a generous financial compensation package, MorningStar offers a host of other benefits including comprehensive insurance coverage. This includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, telehealth coverage, life insurance, and supplemental insurance (disability, accident, critical illness). At MorningStar, we strive to make sure our team members are protected against most of life’s unexpected costs.

Our assisted living jobs in the Denver CO area are diverse and require people with a wide range of skills and education. They include everything from care manager to life enrichment assistant, cook, dishwasher, concierge and housekeeping jobs. MorningStar’s website has a Career page with the full list of current openings, job descriptions and an online application. Please contact us with further questions.

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 for assisted living jobs in Denver CO.

Help Your Elderly Parent Organize Their Medications

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking at least one or more prescription medications on a daily basis.  In fact, the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.”  Polypharmacy refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interactions, an area of special concern for the elderly. 

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year after visits to the emergency room because of adverse, or harmful, drug events.  Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “take on an empty stomach,” and the adverse side effects. 

Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them.  Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.  The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together.  Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork.   

Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored.

At MorningStar at Jordan, an assisted living and memory care community in Centennial, CO, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out.  Please visit our website for a virtual tour of our beautiful community and use our email link to inquire about availability and pricing.

MorningStar at Jordan offers the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Please give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional community in Centennial, CO.

MorningStar's Memory Care in Boulder

The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar of Boulder is unique from many other senior communities as it is specifically designed to cater to the specialized needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Starting with our physical design, which enhances residents’ freedom to explore our expansive surroundings safely and easily, we look for creative ways to connect with and nurture each individual, regardless of the level of memory loss.  

To aid us in this endeavor, we are staffed by a dedicated team that feels it is their calling, their privilege, to serve our tender residents and to provide a level of care that affirms their dignity and value.  Each team member is trained in Radiance, our Service Excellence program, which is an attitude of the heart and is the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose.   

Our team also goes out of their way to get to know our residents, to really listen to their stories, and in many cases, treat them like they would their own moms and dads.  We encourage you to take a look at our touching Twice the Story video series that showcases these special relationships that develop between residents and our team members.  At MorningStar, we believe these friendships testify to the fact that we need to support one another, and through these special connections, we come away changed for the better. 

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Boulder offers 46 secure memory care suites in a variety of floor plans for permanent and short-term stays.  Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted dementia care as well as to inquire about availability and pricing.   

While major disruptions like COVID-19 cause many hardships and sorrows, often they give rise to innovation. While the MorningStar senior living communities have always been purpose-built to protect our residents and team members, we have stepped up our rigorous protocols with Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology.  This emergent weapon in our fight to protect is harmless but it is deadly against infectious disease.   

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Boulder, “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 the best assisted living and memory care in Boulder.