Private Suites and Resort-Style Amenities at MorningStar of Jordan

You can stop your search for the best senior living community in the Centennial CO area.  Once you learn about all we offer, we know you will agree that MorningStar at Jordan is right at the top of the field.  Our goal is to allow our residents to enjoy their retirement years as carefree as possible by offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community - all set in an atmosphere of love.  

Our beautiful private suites feature design-elements that meet the needs of even our most discriminating resident.  All of our stylish floor plans offer high ceilings and large windows to provide an open and airy environment.  With wall-to-wall carpeting, lots of built in lighting and mini-blinds, all you need to bring is your own personal furnishings and accessories, and in case you were wondering, we even allow pets! 

Furthermore, all of our suites include fully handicapped-accessible bathrooms and are equipped with emergency call systems.  Also, we recognize that everyone has a different comfort zone, so our units have their own private controls for heat and air conditioning.  Also enjoy basic cable TV; weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen service; and daily spot cleaning and trash removal. 

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

We provide residents with a safe and secure place to age in and to enjoy a wide array of amenities and meaningful activities.  Please call to schedule a tour and find out firsthand why our residents are happy to call it “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.

 

Does Your Parent Need Some Assistance?

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 signs 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.  Senior living communities with an assisted living option 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 Senior Living of Billings to discover the carefree lifestyle we offer. 

 MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a mission “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents, we encourage you to visit to see for yourself our exceptional community for independent and assisted living. 

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

Experienced, Loving Care for Our Special Residents

While there is not a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other dementia-related diseases, it is important to provide the person with the proper level of care.  MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Billings is committed do just that.  Our mission is to provide compassionate, professional care to our residents, and give families the peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving the very best care available.

Our Reflections Neighborhood has 36 suites that are completely devoted to the individualized care of residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  We are proud of our staff that is trained in progressive therapeutic approaches to palliate symptoms for our special residents. 

One of the important aspects of our program is to provide plenty of recreational and purposeful activities such as music, life skills, art, entertainers and exercise.  To ensure our residents safety and well-being, services include daily health monitoring and around-the-clock staffing as well as two enclosed patios reserved just for memory care patients. 

Also bear in mind that we accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care.  As a way to calm and awaken memories as well as support and encourage residents’ capabilities, our professional methods include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy.  Furthermore, everything we do is in a loving environment that affirms the dignity and value of the individual.  In fact one of our mission statements is to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals, and from this precept, comes our attentiveness to the unique voice, the rights and preferences of each resident.

MorningStar Senior Living of Billings represents the finest in senior living with a mission “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting team members with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents, we encourage you to visit to see for yourself our exceptional community for independent and assisted living.

Recent Events at Bear Creek Supporting Professionals & Area Families

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to be an “Alzheimer’s Association Leader in Dementia Care,” which means that at least 75% of our staff and leadership has participated in an eight-hour program offered by the Alzheimer’s Association.  The training encompasses brain pathology and communication techniques as well as endorses non-pharmaceutical methods to lessen agitation and calm.  In addition Bear Creek is pleased to be supportive and to serve as a resource to Colorado Springs area families who are dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

One example of our community outreach is hosting a large gathering of senior living professionals in January.  This was a great opportunity to open our doors and share with our peers the vast amount of information and resources available to enable us to hone our skills, renew our commitment, and provide the best care possible to residents and their families. 

Another successful event we held was when our Director of Programming, Melissa Dillon spoke to area families and professionals alike on the brain diseases known as dementia.  The first of her six-part series “Unforgettable” was Navigating the Journey of Dementia.  Melissa took attendees down the path of the “Purple Road” of dementia and spent time defining terms and dispelling commonly held myths.  Her presentation also included hope and support to families impacted by the disease.  A portion of the night’s proceedings included time for participants to practice a better way to greet and guide those with memory-impairment to increase their comfort and safety.

Melissa is the co-organizer of our Lavender Sky training program that all MorningStar team members at Bear Creek and our Mountain Shadows communities attend.  Lavender Sky is the blueprint for our philosophy and approach to memory care, which we carefully enter, embrace and explore together with our residents. 

Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar at Bear Creek’s excellent memory care.  We also encourage interested family members to set up a tour to visit our community and see firsthand why our loving community is a true home to our 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.

Warning Signs from the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association’s website is loaded with the most up-to the-date information regarding all the various aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.   Part of their extensive information includes a check list of 10 early warning signs of the disease.  This is important to know as an early diagnosis allows someone an opportunity to seek treatment and to make plans for the future.  While everyone’s journey is different, they recommend if you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of memory loss, to consult with a doctor. 

The first sign of Alzheimer’s as stated by the Association is memory loss that disrupts a person’s daily life. This is the most common sign of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages.  Examples include forgetting important dates or events as well as recently learned information.    

The second sign is experiencing difficulties in developing a plan or working with numbers.  It may affect everyday tasks such as balancing a checkbook or keeping track of monthly bills.   

Next they cite new problems that develop in completing familiar tasks around the home, at work or leisure.  The person experiences difficulties when driving to a familiar location, managing a budget or remembering the rules of a favorite game.  

Fourth on the Alzheimer’s Association’s list is signs of confusion regarding time and place.  Examples include losing track of dates and what time of the year it is as well as forgetting where they are or how they got there. 

Another sign of Alzheimer’s is problems understanding visual images and spatial relationships. This can mean difficulty reading, judging distances and determining color or contrast.  Further along in the disease, a person may not recognize their own reflection.   

The sixth sign on their list includes experiencing new problems with words when speaking or writing.  Another sign is misplacing things and not having the ability to retrace their steps.  People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places.   

The eighth sign includes decreased or poor judgment such as giving away large amounts of money to fraudulent causes or paying less attention to grooming habits.  The ninth sign stated by the Association is withdrawing from work or social activities.  Last on the list is a significant change in mood and personality.  People with the disease can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.  Please see the Alzheimer’s Association’s website for the complete details on the early warning signs of the disease.    

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your medical provider regarding any health concerns or questions. 

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:alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp?type=alzFooter#signs

Our Care Team is Honored to Serve Seniors

At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan, we recognize that our wonderful assortment of amenities and our beautiful surroundings are fantastic; however, we know that the real heart of our community rest in our caregivers.  We have made it a point to hire individuals who have a real calling to serve seniors and understand the magnitude of their contribution when they work at our assisted living community.     

The MorningStar care team consists of a group of people who have perfected the art of anticipating the needs of our residents and going the extra mile to serve them.   Filled with compassion and care, each of our staff members has a smile for the residents and is as quick to listen to a story as they are to lend a helping hand when needed.   

In fact as part of MorningStar’s on-going commitment to the well-being and care of our residents, we train all of our new hires as well as reiterate every day with our full staff the principles of our mission.  Our Radiance program teaches and celebrates an attitude of selflessness that issues from a deep and sincere place like a beam of light and reinforces our mission of honoring, valuing and investing in others.  MorningStar was founded on the premise that we operate with “servants’ hearts” and our Radiance program gives us the framework that enables us to take service professionalism to the next level.    

We are sure that once you learn more about our community you will agree with us that MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today to schedule a tour to discover for yourself our loving, home-like community.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living in Centennial CO.

Caregivers of Those with Alzheimer’s Find It Difficult to do Alone

The Alzheimer’s Association released a new survey last June in conjunction with the start of the Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month.  To summarize, the Association found that while 91 percent of respondents agreed that “it often takes a village to provide care for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, far too many caregivers are doing it alone.” 

In fact 64 percent of caregivers said they felt isolated or alone in their situation and 84 percent wished they had more support with caregiving tasks, especially from other family members.  However the number one reason people stated that they did offer help was they felt another person had assumed the responsibilities.  Other respondents said they lived too far away to make it practical to assist with daily care.    

Ruth Drew, the Director of Family and Information Services for the Alzheimer’s Association, explains that the problem is only going to get worse as life expectancies are getting longer and the number of older Americans is growing.  If there is no cure in the next couple of decades, statistics indicate that Alzheimer’s disease will almost triple by 2050 and increase from the 5.5 million afflicted today to 16 million.  Ms. Drew added that most families are unprepared and have not planned for the devastating toll this disease can inflict.   

Please remember that the Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource and can help people navigate the disease with tools such as a 24/7 helpline, videos, infographics, and guidance on financial and legal planning.  Furthermore, families will find tips on long-distance caregiving and care coordination to help families better manage caregiver responsibilities as well as a community resource finder to help connect families with local resources.   

At MorningStar at Bear Creek, we feel honored to be able to care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  We offer 48 suites in four floorplans, and our building is designed to provide a secure setting, yet permit residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. Our highly individualized care ensures each resident is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.  

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/documents_custom/2017_abam_natl_pr_060117.pdf

Good Nutrition is Still Important as You Age

Even for older adults, good nutrition is important for a healthy lifestyle.  A study from the National Institute of Health (NIH) states that “a good diet in your later years reduces your risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food.“    

As a part of their findings, they recommend avoiding foods loaded with empty calories such as potato chips, cookies, soda and alcohol to ensure you get your proper amount of daily nutrients.  Instead they advise eating wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated or trans fats. 

One of the benefits of eating well is that it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes and bone loss as well as some types of cancer.  In fact if you already suffer from one of those diseases, maintaining a healthy diet along with staying physically active can help you to better manage them.  Additionally adopting a healthy diet can help to reduce your blood pressure and lower your cholesterol.   

Wholesome, healthy foods help keep muscles, bones, organs, and other body parts strong and vitamin-rich food can boost immunity and fight against illness-causing toxins.  Furthermore, a healthy diet can help you feel better as well as give you more energy.

At MorningStar at Jordan, we wholeheartedly agree that good nutrition is important for seniors.  This is why our residents are served three daily meals that are not only very healthy but also delicious.  Each of our meals are served restaurant-style in a beautiful dining room and prepared by our Executive Chef.  Please contact us to learn more about our wide range of services and programs offered by MorningStar.   

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your medical provider regarding any health concerns or questions. 

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/eatingwellasyougetolder/benefitsofeatingwell/01.html

Organizing Your Paperwork – Tips for Seniors

It is especially important for older adults to make sure their paperwork is up-to-date and organized.  This is necessary for not only your own wellbeing but so a family member (be sure to let them know where it is) can access the required documents in the event of an emergency.  Your organization should include all financial and medical records as well as legal documents.  

To help you get started, several websites offer downloadable forms including personal medical history forms.  Update this form as needed to reflect changes in your or your loved one’s health and medications and include a family health history.  Your paperwork should also include information regarding your Social Security benefits and Medicare.   

Financial documents should include information on stocks, bonds, and mutual fund investments.  You will also want to list all bank accounts and safety deposit boxes as well as credit card accounts.  Include in your financial records any mortgage obligations and other liabilities and debts along with the deeds and titles to property you own.  Don’t forget to add property tax information and your most recent tax return.  In addition record the location of all of your valuables.     

Your legal documents should include your Will, a Power of Attorney and an Advance Medical Directive.  These documents cannot be signed by someone who is incapacitated so it is important to do it before the need arises.  An Advance Medical Directive can include a Living Will that allows you to state the type of treatment you may or may not wish to receive if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.  You may want to include a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care that allows you to designate a person to make decisions for you in the event you are unable.   

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we offer 48 secure suites devoted to the individualized care for those with memory impairment.  Please visit our website to learn more about our loving community and use our online form to setup a tour.   

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.

Sources: stretcher.com/stories/15/15nov23e.cfm

sageminder.com/Caregiving/CaregivingBasics/OrganizedCaregiver.aspx 

 

Monthly Calendar Loaded with Meaningful Programs and Fun Activities

If you are looking for the best assisted living community in the Centennial CO area, you will definitely want to take a look at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan. We offer seniors a choice of configurations in 55 private assisted living suites, and devote 29 suites in our Reflection Neighborhood to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.    

As a resident of our community, you will have a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to participate in.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, Bible study, Catholic communion, baking groups, word games and puzzles, flower arranging, trivia, Bingo, movie night and much, much more.    

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself,” and that “even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.”  At MorningStar we could not agree more, which is why we offer scheduled exercise with programs such as: Walking Club, Exercise with Robin, and Senior Strong Workout.    

Another popular activity with our residents is our word, board, and trivia games.  Each monthly calendar is filled with various games such as crossword puzzles, Blackjack, Family Feud, Bingo, Hangman, and Jeopardy.  Our wide scope of activities means that regardless of your interest, you are sure to find something of interest.  Whether it is joining the walking club, flower arranging, or having the opportunity to attend Bible study, MorningStar is a great place to call home.  Please contact us today to schedule a tour to discover for yourself all that 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.  

 

Source:nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html

Living with Type 2 Diabetes

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that living with diabetes can be difficult but with the right care and treatment, it can be effectively managed.   We know the risk of getting type 2 diabetes increases as we age, and current statistics show about 25% of seniors in the United States age 60 and over have the disease.  Also as we age, the risk of complications increases.      

Along with your health care provider, organizations such as the ADA and the National Institute of Health offer tips and information for coping with the disease and ways to avoid or delay complications.  Also even if you do not have the disease, it is still a good idea to education yourself to try and prevent the onset.   

The ADA recommends the following suggestions for living as healthy as possible with type 2 diabetes.  Their first recommendation is to keep your blood glucose levels under control.  Know your target range and check your levels daily or as recommended by your doctor.  In addition make the appropriate changes to your diet to not only lower your blood glucose, but to lower your risk for heart disease.  

Another important part of living with diabetes is to work to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the normal ranges.  Many of the same lifestyle changes we do to control blood glucose can help control blood pressure.  The ADA advises that “people with diabetes keep their blood pressure below 140/90, but check with your health care professional about what target is best for you.”  Along with medications, you can lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet, losing weight and exercising.   

You can also manage your diabetes better if you stop smoking.  We recognize that smoking is bad for everyone but it is far worse for those with diabetes.  Finally if you increase your physical activity, you will gain more strength and energy and be better able to manage your blood glucose as well as help to lower your blood pressure.    

This post is for informational purposes only.  Please consult your medical provider regarding any health concerns or questions. 

MorningStar of Fort Collins 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 in a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a tour to discover one of the area’s top senior living communities.  

Source:diabetes.org/

 

Learn More about the Colorado Springs Area’s Finest Memory Care

MorningStar at Bear Creek’s philosophy and approach to memory care includes our guiding principle that: whatever the extent of the memory loss, whatever the form of dementia, a person’s essence remains.  We feel it our calling as well as our privilege to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. 

Our individualized care starts by meeting with the senior and their family members to learn all we can about the person’s background including their vocation, talents and preferences.  Taking this information, we put together a daily routine that will be used to stimulate or calm the resident in response to their mood or the surrounding circumstances.  Throughout the senior’s stay with us, we also engage the family members as we know our services are as much for them as for the residing senior.  

MorningStar’s memory care provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being, while at the same time, encourages and supports choice and independence whenever possible.  Our residents participate in daily recreational and purposeful activities that include life skills, art, music, and exercise and are included in special events and scheduled outings.   

Our community is designed to permit residents the freedom to move about in spacious surroundings that fully accommodates the disposition and behavior of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our extensive services include around-the-clock care, daily health monitoring, a licensed nurse and a caring and devoted staff.     

MorningStar at Bear Creek is proud to have earned the “Recognized Leaders in Dementia Care.” designation from the Alzheimer’s Association.  Colorado is the only Alzheimer’s Association chapter in the country offering this unique program. To be so designated, a senior living community is required to enroll 75% of its staff in an eight-hour training course that encompasses brain pathology, communication techniques, and methods of lessening agitation with non-pharmaceuticals.  Please visit our website for contact information as well as to learn more about our loving memory care community.   

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.