Changing Attitudes About Dementia

While a 2012 survey found that more Americans fear Alzheimer’s disease than they do cancer, many professionals are starting to rethink their attitude toward the disease. Bill Thomas, a geriatrician who is trying to reframe people’s view on aging, says for many the disease has been “swathed in shame” and stuck in what he call “the tragedy narrative.” Without dismissing the challenges of the disease, he and other experts say that it may be beneficial to both caregivers and patients to take an adaptive approach to dealing with Alzheimer’s that is more flexible, spontaneous, and expansive.

Mary Fridley, co-creator of a workshop called The Joy of Dementia (You’ve Got to Be Kidding!), stresses that in spite of the fact that we know dementia to be extremely painful, she feels too much time is spent on medicalizing the disease. Rather she truly believes “it is an opportunity, if people so choose, to be improvisational, to be silly, to play, to free ourselves from the constraints of truth and knowing and assumptions.”

One study out of Canada supports this premise by reporting that dementia patients’ symptoms declined and their psychologically outlook greatly improved after 12-weeks of visits from “elder clowns” who engage them with empathy, humor, and improvisation. Another recent study from Australia found that “dementia-care staff with positive attitudes and ‘person-centered’ strategies felt more competent about their ability to provide care.”

MorningStar at Jordan provides compassionate, individualized care for those with mild to advanced memory impairment in Centennial, CO. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to comfort and heal as we find ways to help residents celebrate life and experience spontaneous moments of joy. If a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we are here to help, please contact us.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in Centennial, Colorado.

Source: mercurynews.com/2019/02/21/a-joyful-existence-with-alzheimers-yes-joyful/

Are You Looking for Assisted Living in Centennial, CO?

If you are looking for assisted living, Centennial, CO’s MorningStar community is one of the best places to start. Offering 55 suites for assisted living with a choice of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans, MorningStar at Jordan also offers all of the amenities and services to ensure your every comfort. You may recognize the MorningStar name. In addition to a number of senior living communities throughout the Western U.S., nearby locations include MorningStar of Littleton, MorningStar at RidgeGate and MorningStar of Parker.

We encourage you to visit our website as we have lots of information available along with photos that capture the full beauty and inviting warmth of our community. There you will find a great description of our home, brief comments from our Management Team, a map showing our location as well as pictures to illustrate the detailed attention to our welcoming spaces and beautiful design. The page also has a button to Amenities and Suite Amenities that describes many of the community’s resort-style amenities and highlights the comforts of our private suites.

Our private suites have been designed with all of the conveniences and safety precautions needed to ensure both your comfort and safety. Each bathroom is handicapped accessible and all apartments have an emergency call system. Throughout our large common areas just some of the amenities include a bistro, general store, chapel, theater, massage therapy room, salon, and fitness and wellness center. To enjoy the outdoors, we offer a fireside patio and all-season porches.

As a resident in assisted living, your care plan will be based on a thorough assessment of your medical history and personal preferences, and routinely evaluated to ensure it is relevant to your care needs. Range of services include assisting residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs) as well as life enrichment and hospitality services, which we consider to be important to one’s overall health. Also, families get peace of mind knowing trained care managers are there to help navigate any changes in the health and wellbeing of their loved one.

Please visit our website for contact info and give us a call to inquire about availability and pricing or connect with us online. We look forward to meeting you and your family.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

This Month the US Commemorates the 57th American Heart Month

Each February, American Heart Month is celebrated by motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. Many organizations such as the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health use this opportunity to raise awareness and spread strategies for preventing the disease.

Some of their suggestions for prevention include small lifestyle changes such as flavoring food with spices rather than using salt as well as adopting overall healthier eating habits. They recommend staying active (or get active) and maintaining a healthy weight. Also, to control cholesterol and blood pressure levels. If you smoke, quit and avoid secondhand smoke. If you drink alcohol, do it in moderation. It is also important to manage stress.

Remember you are at a greater risk for heart disease if you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, are overweight or obese, and are not exercising and following a healthy diet. Genetics may also put you at a higher risk as well as your age. If you had a father or brother with heart disease before age 55 or a mother or sister with the disease before 65, it may indicate a family history.

The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease. This causes the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart to become blocked by cholesterol and plaque buildup. Chest pains or a heart attack are a sign of a blocked artery.

At MorningStar at Jordan, a Centennial, CO assisted living and memory care community, we take our residents wellbeing very seriously, which is why we serve delicious, nutritional meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients. In addition, we have a range of wellness programs and activities that support and enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful community.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month

Come Join the MorningStar Family

At the MorningStar senior living communities, we know that seniors have gone through many trials and triumphs throughout their lives and handled them with fortitude and grace, which it why we feel privileged to serve them. Furthermore, many of us have been blessed to have the opportunity to build loving relationships with our own grandparents or other elderly relatives and love the opportunity to give back.

Guided by MorningStar Senior Living’s mission statement that honors God in our business practices and relationships; values all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invests generously in our team’s ability to serve; the Denver area MorningStar communities strive to live up to those goals. One way we do this is by recruiting and retaining an extraordinary team of service professionals and recognizing each team member is essential to our success.

Our beautiful communities have an array of open positions in Denver and the surrounding area that will allow you to make a difference in the lives of our residents. Openings are available at MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and MorningStar of Parker. Some of our positions are caregiver jobs while others are essential to the smooth operation of our communities. Current open positions include Care Manager, Server, Community Relations Associate, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Driver, Housekeeping jobs and more.

In addition to one of the most generous financial compensation packages in the industry, 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).

Please visit our website for a complete list of rewarding positions, detailed job descriptions and an easy-to-use online application. While our career opportunities are diverse, all require individuals with big hearts and a love for seniors. Please come join our MorningStar family!

MorningStar Senior Living’s 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 actively recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors. If you would love to serve, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for information on current openings (including caregiver and housekeeping jobs) in Denver, CO.

Learn More About MorningStar of Boulder

MorningStar of Boulder’s goal is to be one of the best retirement communities Boulder has to offer, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents.  Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that MorningStar of Boulder is senior living at its best.  In fact, the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family.  We believe our community has achieved that dream and is a true home for our remarkable residents.  

To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team.  Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character.  We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve.  

Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart.  With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose.  Also, its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home.

We encourage you to visit our website and view our virtual tour that shows off our beautiful spaces as well as background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living.  Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day.    Looking at the stunning images, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive dining room eating meals served restaurant-style and expertly prepared by a professional chef or spending a morning getting pampered in our onsite salon? 

MorningStar of Boulder offers 48 bright, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 46 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us for more information.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Boulder offers. 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, MorningStar of Boulder provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Grieving in the COVID-19 Era

For far too many, the holidays and the months that follow will be spent grieving a loved one.  In normal times, the death of a loved one meant gathering family and friends together to support the bereaved and to honor the deceased; but now families have had to settle for much smaller funerals or put off funerals and memorial services altogether until sometime in the future.  Also, being at home alone in a house that was once shared by someone who has passed away makes the grief that much stronger.  

Grief expert Robert Neimeyer, a psychologist and director of the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition in Portland, Oregon, explains that this can result in a “broken web of connection, which creates what we psychologists call unfinished business in bereavement.”  Moreover, experts say COVID-19 has caused other types of grieving such as the loss of financial security, the loss of close contact with family and friends, and the loss of our sense of freedom to move about.   

The AARP reports that these types of grief are contributing to what psychologists call “complicated grief, one that's more difficult, intense, prolonged and disruptive than usual.”  This is why professionals stress the importance of people reaching out to make contact with those in the grieving process through phone or video calls.  If a family member seems to be struggling with accepting the death, it may help to have them setup a telehealth visit with a grief counselor or to join an online support group.  Other strategies that may help include anxiety-reducing exercises such as yoga or tai chi, meditation or relaxation techniques.  

At the MorningStar of Boulder assisted living and memory care community, we provide the support services and physical environment to enable older adults to live as comfortably and as safely as possible.  In addition to 24/7 Care Managers, licensed nurses, medication management by Certified Med Care Managers, and wellness activities, we routinely do Health & Wellness Evaluations and Care Plan reviews.  If you are looking for one of the best retirement communities Boulder has to offer, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about MorningStar.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Boulder offers. 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, MorningStar of Boulder provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. 

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/covid19-changes-grieving.html

Career Opportunities at Senior Homes Defined by the Human Touch

Our beautiful Denver senior living communities are proud to be part of a parent company, MorningStar Senior Living, which was founded on the premise of creating senior loving homes defined by the human touch. From the start, our communities were designed to feel more like your grandma’s house than nursing homes of old. Thus, we strive to create a culture defined not only by what we do but by the kind of people that bring it all to life – our dedicated team members.

The MorningStar Company will celebrate its 18th anniversary this year, and now has 25+ senior living communities throughout the Western US and several more under construction. Our tremendous growth and the trust we have earned in the cities in which we reside is due to staying true to our brand. This includes the belief that MorningStar’s homes are exceptional places where seniors are viewed as heroes.

Career opportunities at our Denver communities include roles that let you work closely with our residents such as our compassionate caregivers who assist residents with their day-to-day personal care. We also seek medication care managers and techs to help to see to it that residents safely get the medications they need. Other openings include dining room servers and housekeeping jobs. Team members in all of our positions are encouraged to build relationships with our residents as well as their families and fellow team members. Moreover, as you get to know our delightful residents, you will discover the things they are passionate about and have the opportunity to hear wonderful stories they are waiting to share.

Morningstar is proud to support our valuable team members with a very generous benefit package. Our benefits start with competitive wages, plus bonus and incentive opportunities in some positions, and extend all the way through comprehensive insurance, training, and employee leave and support programs. No matter what our employee’s needs are, MorningStar has a benefit program designed to support our most valued asset – the MorningStar employee family!

The Denver MorningStar communities include MorningStar of Arvada; MorningStar at Jordan; MorningStar of Littleton; MorningStar at RidgeGate; MorningStar of Wheat Ridge; and MorningStar of Parker. Each community is committed to providing loving care to our residents who deserve to be treated as valued and contributing individuals. If you wish to be part of something extraordinary, please visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our beautiful homes.

MorningStar Senior Living’s 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 actively recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors. If you would love to serve, please visit MorningStar’s Career page for information on current openings (including caregiver and housekeeping jobs) in Denver, CO.

Experts Say Changing Daily Habits Can Help Fight Off Viruses

Medical experts say changing our daily habits to include a healthier diet and routine exercise can help fight off viruses and improve our overall health.  They recommend starting our day with fiber such as eating a bowl of unsweetened bran cereal and then add a dark colored berry like blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.  Fiber feeds the good bacteria in our gut, and antioxidants and flavonoids “improve the health of macrophages and other virus-eating cells.”

Then they suggest you take a walk, ride a bike, swim or jog for about 30 minutes to an hour.  Doctors say exercising helps to circulate our immune cells and that the benefit lasts for up to two to three hours after we are done.  

Lunch or your afternoon snack should include a salad or a veggie and fruit smoothie.  Dietitians advise varying the fruits and veggies you eat and to try to get ten servings a day. Another tip to help ward off viruses include taking time each day to destress and relax. This could include listening to music, meditating, gardening, crafting, painting, drawing, working on a hobby, etc.  

Experts also say a healthy lifestyle habit is to connect with others whether you now have to do it virtually or meet outdoors.  Social interactions are important to our wellbeing and even more so as we age as “emerging research indicates that loneliness and social isolation can increase inflammation throughout your body.”          

MorningStar’s goal is to provide the best assisted living Boulder, Colorado offers; which includes delicious, nutritionally balanced meals.   Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which are locally sourced. Our friendly, loving community also ensures no one feels alone but rather are part of the MorningStar family.  Please contact us to learn more and to ask about pricing and availability.  

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 memory care and assisted living Boulder, Colorado offers.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/daily-virus-prevention-tips.html

MorningStar of Boulder's Memory Care

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder, we compassionately and professionally provide memory care to seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents.  As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their environment.  Our community has 46 secure suites in a range of floor plans.  

MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our residents with the respect and dignity they deserve.  Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences.  From there, our Wellness Director creates an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration.

MorningStar’s memory care includes leveraging the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort residents.  Our specially-trained care team understands that the essence of the person still exists despite the memory loss, and will strive every day to connect with and nurture that essence.    

We also proudly support the Alzheimer’s Association and partner with our local chapter to fundraise and participate in a variety of activities all throughout the year.  In addition, MorningStar makes it a point to find ways to involve and engage family members as we recognize that our service is as important to them as to the residing senior.

While we have had to make many changes to our community due to the coronavirus pandemic, MorningStar is carefully following suit with each state’s phasing and pacing where our communities are located. We are still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols.  If you are looking for exceptional memory care or assisted living, Boulder, Colorado’s MorningStar community encourages you to contact us or visit our website to learn more about our loving home.

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 memory care and assisted living Boulder, Colorado offers.

Which Mobility Aid is Right for You?

If you have arthritis, heart or lung issues, pain and weakness in the feet and legs, impairment due to a stroke, visual impairment, or other balance problems, a mobility aid can help you feel more independent, reduce pain, and increase confidence. With a number of options available ranging from canes to walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, you may be wondering which one is best for your needs.

Experts explain that your choice of aids will depend on your disability and/or medical condition. Canes are the most common choice and are good for someone with balance problems. In fact the journal, Medical News Today, says that one in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. However even here there are decisions to be made. While white canes are reserved for the visually impaired or blind, you may find a four-footed cane with its wider base offers more stability. If you need to shift weight from the wrist to the arm, try a forearm cane.

Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, provide stability and are used by an estimated 4.6 percent of people in the country over the age of 65. Along with the basic walker, styles include rollators that have four wheels, handlebars and a seat. Knee walkers are similar to a rollator but have a padded cushion to rest a knee on while the stronger leg moves it forward. Walker-cane hybrids are another option that offers better support than a standard cane.

For more severe disabilities or to move longer distances, a wide range of wheelchairs and scooters are available. If mobility problems are long-term, modifications to your home may also be necessary. Regardless of what mobility aid you decide on, doctors recommend making an appointment with your health care provider or physical therapist to learn how to use the new device properly.

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 information on unsurpassed assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318463#Types-of-mobility-aids

Learn More About MorningStar's Boulder, CO Community

MorningStar of Boulder is a part of the MorningStar Senior Living company whose vision is “to be a company of servant-minded, purpose-driven leaders in our senior communities and throughout the world.”  This means right from the start we have made a point to staff our loving home with individuals who feel called to serve and understand that seniors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  

In addition, we support MorningStar’s mission of serving others here at home and throughout the world including supporting the Alzheimer’s Association and the Casa Bernabé orphanage in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua.  We also support MorningStar’s partnership with “Lifewater,” a non-profit organization that focuses on delivering safe water sources to villages across the globe. 

MorningStar of Boulder is also guided by our company’s founding principles that include: 

• Honoring God in our business practices and relationships 

• Valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals 

• Investing generously in our team’s ability to serve well 

Thus our home’s first priority is to create a comfortable, compassionate home while striving to meet residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.  Also, while our company was founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews, and understand it is our responsibility to honor spiritual preferences as part of caring for the whole person.

MorningStar of Boulder has 48 stylish assisted living suites as well as 46 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other retirement communities Boulder offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Boulder has to offer. 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, MorningStar of Boulder provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Take Proper Precautions to Prevent Falls

The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls. As we age, medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall. Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.

However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving. The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving. To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile.

Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor. Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives. It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else. Also talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition.

In addition, discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you. Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait.

Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention. Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed. Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home. Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use assistive aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance. Install grab bars and railings where needed.

At the MorningStar at Jordan assisted living and memory care community, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Moreover, our cherished residents and their families know they can trust the compassionate, professional MorningStar team to deliver the finest senior living in Centennial, CO.

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 information on unsurpassed assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358

Learn More About MorningStar’s Centennial, CO Community

MorningStar at Jordan’s goal is to provide the best senior living in Centennial, CO, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents. To accomplish this lofty goal, our approach takes into account every aspect of senior living from the design of our gorgeous community to a broad range of care services, amenities, and wellness programs. In fact, Ken Jaeger, MorningStar Senior Living’s Founder, had specific ideas on how to foster the ultimate environment for the wellbeing of seniors and it is the guiding spirit in which our community operates on.

Add to that, our dedicated team members who are the heartbeat of our community and the kind of people who come to work each day with a smile on their face. They understand it is a privilege to serve and many come to know and treat our residents as they do their own moms and dads. As a true home, we consider our residents, their families and team members to be part of the MorningStar at Jordan family.

Our community offers 55 private assisted living suites and 29 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. To ensure our suites fit the needs of all our residents, we offer an array of floors plans that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. Each suite has ceiling lighting, 9’-10’ high ceilings, bay windows (in most units), wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds. And yes, MorningStar at Jordan welcomes your pet.

Meals at MorningStar at Jordan are prepared largely from scratch by our Executive Chef and made from the freshest homegrown or locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Recognizing that nutrient-rich foods can help stimulate the appetite as well as support brain health, MorningStar meals are prepared using ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

While we have had to make many changes to our community due to the coronavirus pandemic, MorningStar is carefully following suit with each state’s phasing and pacing where our communities are located. We are still accepting new residents, confident in our protective protocols. For more information, please visit our website and contact the MorningStar at Jordan team through our convenient online form.

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 information on unsurpassed assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO

Career Opportunities at Denver Senior Communities

If you are unfamiliar with the career opportunities in senior living, we want you to know that there is a wide variety of positions at MorningStar Senior Living communities in the Denver area. Our open positions are diverse and require a broad range of skill sets, education and/or experience. We are looking for people with big hearts to fill both full and part time positions for day, evening, night and weekend shifts. These include Care Manager, Medication Care Manager/QMAP, Life Enrichment Assistant, Dining Room Server, Housekeeping jobs and more.

Some of our positions are very hands-on and have team members working directly with our residents. Roles such as Care Manager and Medication Care Managers see to it that residents’ personal daily living needs are met and that they receive their medications in a timely, safe fashion.

As a MorningStar Cook, you will enjoy preparing seasonal menus that feature the freshest ingredients from the highest quality producers, often homegrown and locally sourced (sometimes from our own resident gardens) in a calm and supportive environment. For people currently in a hospitality job including wait staff, you may want to consider working as a Dining Room Server in one of our homes where you will provide residents with an upscale restaurant experience in a sociable and friendly setting.

In addition to competitive wages, insurance, and training, MorningStar offers a host of other benefits that are designed to enrich and support our employees’ lives on a broad variety of fronts. Just some of these benefits include:

• the opportunity to participate in global philanthropy

• leave granted for jury duty, bereavement or voting, extended leave of absence beyond federal requirements

• an Onshift wallet (access to earned wages before pay day)

• impact incentive salary for communities with active COVID-19, exceeding federal/state requirements for leave and paid time off due to COVID-19, ample PPE availability

• easy transfer to another MorningStar community

Please see our website for the complete list of openings. In defense against the coronavirus disease, we are safely hiring Great Hearts, and taking every precaution to keep you safe while you work. Please apply today!

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 to apply for a variety of opportunities including caregiver jobs and housekeeping jobs in Denver CO.

Gift Ideas for Seniors

As the holidays quickly approach, many of us wonder what to get mom or dad or other beloved seniors on our gift list.  Moreover, while this has been a tough year for most of us, many seniors have been isolated from their children and grandchildren due to the pandemic, making it especially difficult.  This is why we want our senior loved ones to know they are very much loved and missed.  

If you are buying a gift for a parent in an apartment or assisted living community, remember they most likely do not have lots of space to store things so be circumspect about buying a large gift that will be used only occasionally.  Consider something like a wreath outside their door to cheer up and personalize their space.  Also keep in mind it doesn’t necessarily have to be holiday related but one that can be used all year long.  If they have a window where they could see a bird feeder, check with management to see if you can hang one outside.  You could also give them a book of birds in their area so they can identify their visitors, and be sure to bring bird seed to refill it.    

They may appreciate a warm throw, new sweater or a light jacket as many elderly adults tend to feel chilly.  Cold feet are another common complaint among the elderly so a new pair of gripper slippers or socks with grips on the bottom to prevent falls would surely be appreciated.  Pampering them with a basket full of luxury soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions and creams is another idea as many older adults suffer from very dry skin; or if they are crafters, put together a basket of new craft and art supplies. 

Other ideas include giving them a subscription for a large print magazine or a coffee table book that targets their interest.  Moreover, how about a basket of personalized stationery, a selection of greeting cards and stamps to make it easy for them to send well wishes and greetings to friends and family?  If dad or mom is a huge sports fan; consider updating their team merchandise to get them in the spirit.  Check the Internet for other ideas and remember to keep the video calls, emails and photos of the family coming!  

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Boulder offers. 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, MorningStar of Boulder provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Learn More About MorningStar’s Community in Centennial, Colorado

MorningStar at Jordan is designed to allow our residents to comfortably and safely age in place. By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind body and spirit. Our holistic approach to successful senior living is accomplished through a balance of Life Enrichment and Wellness Care.

We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of care at a lower cost to families. For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family.

Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7; we also refer families to home health and out-patient therapy services. These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others.

MorningStar at Jordan has 55 stylish suites for assisted living with a range of floor plans including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom options. If a family member requires memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 29 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

For more information about all-inclusive senior living in Centennial, we encourage you to visit our website for contact information as well to inquire about pricing and availability. Currently we are safely accepting new residents, and are confident in our protocols and procedures in fighting the coronavirus. Recently, added to our rigorous protocols, is an emergent weapon in the fight to protect. Ask us about our Electrostatic Disinfecting Technology.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Stay in Touch with 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.  

At MorningStar of Boulder, we have 48 stylish suites for assisted living and 46 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  We are proud to offer our residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community through a wide range of care services, amenities and enrichment programs.  If you are looking for one of the best retirement communities Boulder has to offer, we encourage you to visit our website to learn why our residents are proud to call MorningStar “home.”

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 one of the finest retirement communities Boulder CO offers.

Insurance for Long-Term Care

As we grow older, we start to think more and more about “what if” this or that happens. Many of us worry about getting a disease or disability that could make it difficult for us to care for ourselves, and many worry about having the financial means to get the long-term care we may eventually need.

Financial advisors say one way to give ourselves peace of mind is to purchase Long-term Care insurance (LTC). While a LTC policy can be expensive, experts say you need to remember that trying to pay for long-term care can jeopardize your financial wellbeing as well as that of your spouse, children and even grandchildren. Many of us have worked our entire lives to provide our families with financial security and would hate the thought of them shouldering the economic and personal responsibilities related to our long-term care.

The AARP says everyone should have a plan for long-term care, and as we are living longer than ever before, at some point we may need help with our day-to-day care. As many LTC insurance policies cover some of the expenses your regular health insurance does not, it is easier to “maintain your lifestyle if age, injury, illness, or a cognitive impairment makes it challenging for you to take care of yourself.” Buying a LTC policy is also a good idea for those who do not have family members or others to care for them in the event of changing circumstances.

If you are looking for outstanding assisted living or memory care in Centennial, Colorado, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan. While we work hard to make our community affordable, we also help potential residents to find creative ways to help pay for senior living. Long-term care insurance can help pay for senior care and protect personal assets by covering a variety of services in senior living communities. Please visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.

Source: nylaarp.com/Landing-Pages/LongTermCare

Facts 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 of Boulder have an emergency call system in each suite, you can rest easy knowing help is just minutes away.   Another perk of MorningStar 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, large windows 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 of Boulder offers the kind of senior living area families have come to count on.  We have 48 bright suites for assisted living and another 46 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Boulder, Colorado’s MorningStar community may be your answer.

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 at Jordan’s Goal is to Improve Quality of Life for Residents

Rather than diminish a senior’s life, assisted living communities such as MorningStar at Jordan help to improve quality of life for residents in a variety of ways. Along with providing the daily care services residents need to maintain their independence, we provide on-going support to ensure their safety, comfort and continued personal growth. For our residents’ families, they get peace of mind knowing their loved one is being well-cared for.

Another benefit of MorningStar’s assisted living is the healthy dining that allows residents to self-manage a variety of dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian or low fat. Additionally, our medication care management services see to it that residents’ medications are ordered, delivered and dispensed in a meticulous, timely fashion. Services also include housekeeping, laundry, transportation and more.

Moreover, as the CDC reports that each year 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, residents at MorningStar at Jordan feel comforted knowing that help is just the push of a button away as all suites are equipped with a 24-hour Emergency Call System. In addition, all bathrooms are handicap-accessible and equipped with grab bars.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan offers loving memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Even now, we are safely accepting new residents and adhering to the changing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and regulatory authorities to ensure the health and well-being of both residents and team members. Please visit our website for more information about loving senior living in Centennial, CO.

MorningStar at Jordan represents the best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We have built our foundation on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community.