Does Your Parent Need More Care?

Adult children are often surprised to discover that a parent is not doing well and that they may require additional assistance to ensure their continued safety and comfort.  According to the experts, there are several sign to look for to help determine if assisted living is the right answer for your mom or dad.   

The website Caring.com recommends that you consider assisted living if your elderly parent has recently experienced a fall or has had a medical emergency and did not receive the immediate help they required.  Also it may be time to think about it if they suffer from chronic health problems that are getting progressively worse such as COPD, congestive heart failure or dementia?  Furthermore, do they take a long time to recover from an illness?   

Other indications that your loved one is not getting the care they need at home are signs of weight loss and a more frail appearance or if they are neglecting their personal hygiene and are not as well-groomed as they used to be?  It may simply be that preparing meals and taking care of day-to-day personal activities have become too difficult for them.  An empty refrigerator, stacks of unopened mail, and new dents in the car could all be warning signs that your parent would benefit from having more assistance.    

Another advantage to assisted living is that it can also provide your loved one with social activities and companionship.  Often seniors live alone, and as many stop driving, they do not get out on their own.  Assisted living communities provide seniors with an opportunity to live comfortably and securely as well as to enjoy a range of activities and the company of others.  We encourage you to plan a visit to MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan to discover the carefree lifestyle we offer.   

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.    

Sources:helpguide.org/articles/senior-housing/assisted-living-facilities.htm caring.com/articles/signs-its-time-for-assisted-living

Memory Care at MorningStar of Jordan

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan, our Reflections Neighborhood is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  We take a holistic approach to our care, which starts with the utmost respect and compassion for each resident, borne out of a deep understanding of the many pathologies known collectively as dementia, including the most prevalent, Alzheimer’s disease.  

Our secure and loving memory neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident.  We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our staff.  To help control adverse behaviors associated with the disease, we use a variety of multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and to affirm the individual’s dignity and value.  

MorningStar at Jordan is proud to have been named 2018 “Best Of” Assisted Living by SeniorAdvisor.com. This exclusive designation is awarded to the top 1% of senior living providers in the US and Canada, based on high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families and visitors to SeniorAdvisor.com. 

Please contact us to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood as well as our full assisted living community.   

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.    

 

Read What Residents and Families Say About Us!

At MorningStar of Billings, our staff has perfected the art of anticipating needs and going the extra mile.  Our carefully selected team consists of people that serve our residents with excellence and empathy and consider it a privilege to work with seniors.  For this reason, we are always pleased to get positive feedback from our residents and their families as it reaffirms the job are dedicated staff is doing.  

One recent comment from a couple of residents living at MorningStar of Billings was particularly gratifying to read.  They explain that often older people procrastinate when the time comes to realistically address their needs for the future, which causes real concern for their children.  They write, “My husband and I were just such a couple, but upon visiting MorningStar, we saw immediately that this was a happy home.”  They go on to say they were impressed by the fact that the dining room was filled with lively chatter and the waitresses knew every resident by name.  They add “a loving, caring and compassionate staff” makes MorningStar a 5 Star home!

Another comment that touched our hearts was from a resident’s family.  They write, “The dedication your entire team at Billings has shown toward our parents has been truly remarkable. We are speechless over the genuine care you have for your residents.”

Recently we had a son describe MorningStar of Billings as the “best senior living facility by quite a ways here in town and my father couldn't be more satisfied.”  His dad has resided in our Independent Living for seven years, and his son reports he is happy and comfortable.  He also mentions the physical beauty of the community as well as the open space and fantastic views from the outside. He adds that, “I feel good about MorningStar Senior Living of Billings; the people who run it do so with a passion.” 

Please visit MorningStar of Billings’ website to read more reviews from actual residents or their families while you take the time to learn about our community.  We offer a variety of living options including independent living, assisted living and memory care.  

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings 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 schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.      

Common Misconceptions about Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have wondered if you or a family member is developing Alzheimer’s because of memory loss problems, you may be interested to know that occasional memory problems are normal as people age.  Forgetting the name of a person you recently met is most likely not a cause for concern as Alzheimer’s is much more than just occasional memory loss.  More telling is when a person forgets the name of a lifelong friend or how to drive to a familiar location.  Keep in mind that memory problems in the elderly can also be a side effect of a medication, a vitamin deficiency or other conditions and you should consult your health care provider if you are concerned.    

Another misconception about Alzheimer’s is that only older people get the disease.  Unfortunately this is not true and we know that people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s can get what is called younger-onset of Alzheimer’s.  The Alzheimer’s Association says that out of the more than 5 million people in the U.S. with the disease, 200,000 of those are under the age of 65.  

During the 1960s and 70, many people believed that exposure to aluminum through cooking pots, beverage cans, and antiperspirants caused Alzheimer’s.  Since then, researchers have done many studies trying to link aluminum to the disease and have found no evidence.  Likewise aspartame was linked to Alzheimer’s and again studies have showed no connection to the artificial sweeter.      

Back in the 1990s, there were rumors circulating that silver dental fillings were causing Alzheimer’s.  However, two highly respected studies, one in 1991 and the other in 2003, concluded that “current evidence shows no connection between mercury-containing dental fillings and Alzheimer's or other neurological diseases.”  What researchers do know is that growing older, family history and heredity are the biggest risk factors for Alzheimer’s. 

Please visit MorningStar at Bear Creek for information regarding our personalized memory care.  Bear Creek is specifically designed to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and has a loving staff trained to provide the utmost care to residents. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp

Looking for an Assisted Living Community?

Searching for an assisted living community for yourself or a parent can feel like an overwhelming task.  We know you want to make the best choice and there are a couple of things you may want to consider before you take such an important step.   

First, you will want to research the various options in your preferred area.  The Internet is an efficient and easy way to discover what is out there, and you will find several websites that offer a search directory of facilities.  Also you can check with your health care provider for any recommendations they may have.   

Once you have narrowed down your list to several communities in your target location, give them a call to set up a tour.  While on the phone, have a list of questions handy such as are there immediate openings available, and if not, how long is the wait, the price range and what will you see on the tour as well as how much time it will take.   

A community tour is your best opportunity to get a real feel for the place.  You want your future home to have a caring and warm staff and residents that are friendly.  If you are looking for assisted living for a family member that is not very mobile, you can tour a few and narrow down the selections so they only tour the top choices.  The Caring.com website has a checklist available for researching and touring a community that you may find helpful.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan, the thing we brag the most about is our atmosphere of love and community that is built on one relationship at a time. We are conveniently located in historic Centennial, in the south-central area of Metro Denver, and offer a choice of 55 private assisted living suites on three levels.  Our Reflection Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  Please call us for more details.   

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.     

Source: caring.com/articles/assisted-living-facilities-choosing-the-right-one 

The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

We know it is devastating to have your loved one receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.  While it’s a lot to process, please take comfort in the fact that there are a lot of resources to help you understand the disease as well as high-quality care options. 

One good resource for information and support is the Alzheimer’s Association website.  Not only do they discuss the disease and publish results of the latest research, but they also link you to the numerous ways you can take action in the fight against Alzheimer’s. 

To get educated on the disease, you may want to read about the stages of Alzheimer’s so you know what to expect.  The Alzheimer’s Association says the disease “typically progresses slowly in three general stages — mild (early-stage), moderate (middle-stage), and severe (late-stage).”  However each person is different and so is the progression of the disease.   

In the early-stage of the disease, a person is typically still independent and engaged in normal life activities but is starting to have memory lapses including forgetting familiar words and the location of everyday objects.  In addition family members are starting to be aware there are problems.

The middle-stage of Alzheimer’s is generally the longest and can last for years.  During this stage, a person requires much more care to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  Anger, frustration and a greater depth of forgetfulness are indicative of this phase.  In the late-stage, a person loses all sense of their environment and the ability to communicate, walk, sit and, eventually, swallow.  Extensive round-the-clock care is required. 

For families in the Colorado Springs’ area, MorningStar at Bear Creek is ready to help.  Our community is designed to care for those in the early-stage of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia right through to the most advanced stages.  We offer 48 suites as well as respite care and day care programs.  Please visit our website to learn more.   

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source: alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp

Help Prevent Falls with Exercise

We know that each year more than one-third of people age 65 or older suffer a fall and many of those incidents cause serious injuries or in some cases even death.  This is why preventing falls is extremely important for the elderly, and balance as well as strength excises can help to prevent falls.     

The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends 5 simple exercises that do not require any special equipment other than a chair (and someone to assist you if needed) that can improve balance and increase lower body strength. The series of exercises include the following:  standing on one foot; walking heel to toe; balance walk; back leg raises; and side leg raises.

These easy-to-do exercises can be done throughout the day and only take a few minutes to do each of them.  For further instructions on how they should be done, the NIH website offers a video on each exercise.  In addition the NIH recommends that seniors try to do three other types of exercises that focus on improving endurance, strength and flexibility.

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we recognize the importance of exercising, and as such, provide our residents with a full calendar of daily activities that includes a variety of well-designed exercise programs.  With our large range of classes, there is something that is sure to please everyone.  Our calendar includes: Sunday stretch, Monday Movement, Wednesday Groove, Aerobic Thursday, Friday Fitness, and Sit and Be Fit.  Other opportunities for exercising include activities such as Work Out with Marcus.  We encourage you to take a look at our calendar to see all of the different activities MorningStar residents participate in.    

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider.

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseandphysicalactivityexercisestotry/balanceexercises/01.html

Assisted Living Offers Comfort and Community

Assisted Living is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement, and is built on a European social model.  It is designed for seniors who do not require 24-hour nursing care but rather just need a little assistance with daily living.  An assisted living community provides a secure and comfortable environment that lets you or your loved one age in place.  Furthermore, it gives family members peace of mind knowing that their elderly parent or relative is receiving the care they need.   

Many communities offer a range of amenities that include private suites, libraries, theater, fitness centers as well as creative and wellness programs.  Some of the services typically provided by assisted living communities are daily meals, medication management, help with bathing and dressing and transportation.  With a home-like atmosphere, seniors have the opportunity for companionship and to develop new friendships and interests.  

Assisted living can also provide a safer option for many seniors than living alone as help is much closer at hand.  According to the National Institute of Health, “More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. The risk of falling -- and fall-related problems -- rises with age.”   In fact, over 1.6 million U.S. seniors go to emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year.   

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan, we think seniors are a national treasure and they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  Our beautiful community offers a choice of 55 well-appointed, private assisted living suites including studio, one, and two-bedroom configurations on three levels. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment.  Please give us a call so we can help you find your new home.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.   

Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/aboutfalls/01.html

“Assisted Living” Explained

Many people mistakenly assume that “assisted living” is just another term for nursing homes.  In fact, nursing homes are intended for people that require long-term, around-the-clock medical care and supervision and should not be confused with assisted living, which provides residents support for daily care activities.  At an assisted living community, you will receive the care you need to live comfortably and safely while still retaining your privacy and as much independence as possible.   

Assisted living is ideal for anyone who does not require 24-hour skilled medical care but rather just needs more personal care than they can get at home or at an independent living retirement community.  Meals and transportation are provided, and if needed, residents can get help with activities such as showering dressing, and etc.  For the family, they rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever a loved one needs it.   

Many assisted living communities offer the privacy of individual suites, while also providing their residents with the security and safety of 24-hour support and quick access to care.  In addition communities generally provide residents the opportunity to participate in social and recreation activities along with wellness programs.  Residents usually eat their meals in a communal dining room and have housekeeping and laundry services available.   

If you would like to see what the best assisted living community in Centennial, CO offers, we invite you to look at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan.  Our community provides various levels of assistance with daily living activities as determined after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director and in agreement with the senior and their extended family.  This individualized care plan ensures you get the right amount of assistance as you need it. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.    

 

A Heartfelt Welcome to our New Wellness Director

The entire MorningStar at Bear Creek community was pleased to recently welcome our new Wellness Director.  Deann Geertsema has been working as a nurse for 30 years of which most of that time was spent in pediatrics or geriatrics.  Deann is the mother of four teenagers and together with her husband, Dave; they enjoy spending time with the family.  In her free time, she likes to run and hike.  Deann says it is her privilege to care for others and looks forward to getting to know the residents and families of Bear Creek better.    

Among her responsibilities as our Wellness Director, Deann will help to oversee WellStar - MorningStar’s signature wellness program.  The WellStar program taps into all aspects of wellness from our residents’ physical, intellectual, spiritual and social needs.  Recognizing that each day provides us with opportunities to ignite a plan that enhances health and wellness, stimulates the brain and encourages connections, we find creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.   

To get an ideal of the many different types of wellness activities we offer to our residents, we invite you to visit our website to take a look at “Life Around our House” or our array of activities and special event as listed on our monthly calendar.  Furthermore, beyond all of the fun and spirit of camaraderie you will find at Bear Creek, we are the most proud of the atmosphere of love that permeates throughout our community.  

Unlike most other memory care facilities around the country, our beautiful home was specifically built to address all of the needs of those suffering from memory loss.  In addition we are extremely proud of our caring and loving staff that is committed to providing our precious residents with an environment where they can truly feel at home.    

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Our Staff has a Calling to Serve Seniors

At MorningStar at Jordan, we understand that our senior community’s success lies with our caregivers. This is why one of our founding principles is to invest generously in our team members, including providing the necessary development and training required to create leaders with the ability to provide the best life possible for our residents. 

We are proud of the fact that our staff is comprised of people who champion our mission and have a sense of calling to serve seniors.  They are a group of unique individuals who do the right thing when no one is watching and work diligently to perfect the art of anticipating the needs of our residents.  In addition they not only believe that Senior Living, at its best, is love in action but do it every day.   

As a part of our commitment to bringing together an exceptional staff, we offer generous compensation and benefit packages to each employee in an effort to recognize caregiving as a respected career choice.  We have found that our vetting of employees has paid off as we have a staff that works hard to ensure MorningStar at Jordan’s residents feel loved and cared for in every way possible.   

Furthermore, all of our in-coming staff receives Radiance training, which is reiterated every day at our Team Stand-up.  The Radiance program celebrates an attitude of selflessness that comes from a deep and sincere place, like a beam of light and reflects the way we deliver customer service at MorningStar - with warmth, sincerity and depth.  The program provides a tangible and purposeful way to advance our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others and allows us to take our professionalism to the next level.  We encourage you to schedule a tour of our gorgeous community to experience firsthand all we offer. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.    

Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following is a list of the signs and symptoms you need to know if you think someone may be having a stroke.  They recommend noting the time when you first notice the symptoms as it is important to know when seeking medical treatment.   

The first sign is any difficulty with speaking or understanding as well as confusion.  A person may slur their words or have trouble processing what is being said.  Another thing to look for is any sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.  Ask the person to try and raise both arms over their head at the same time.  If one arm begins to fall, it may be a stroke.  Also another indication of a stroke is if one side of the mouth is drooping when you ask the person to smile.   

Other signs of a stroke can include trouble with seeing in one or both eyes and exhibiting symptoms such as blurred or blackened vision or seeing double.  In addition trouble walking as well as dizziness or loss of balance and coordination can also be signs of a stroke.    Further stroke symptoms include a sudden onset of a severe headache along with vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness.

 Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the signs of a stroke regardless of whether they appear to fluctuate or disappear.  The American Stroke Association’s F.A.S.T. acronym is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. They state that you need to call 911 immediately if you or someone you are with experiences any of the following signs: 

F        Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

A        Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S        Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T        Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.  

Remember the longer a stroke goes untreated, there becomes a greater potential for brain damage and disability.  Once you have called for emergency assistance, continue to carefully watch the person.  

For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.   Please schedule a tour to experience firsthand our comfortable, home-like atmosphere.      

Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/

strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp