At MorningStar Senior Living at RidgeGate, we are experts in providing seniors with first-class independent living, assisted living and memory care. In fact, every aspect of our community is designed to offer a relaxing lifestyle enabling you to fully enjoy your retirement years. This includes providing support to residents and their families starting with the all-important decision process and carries through to the move-in and transition period.
A great way to start is to take a look at our Senior Life guide. Along with our knowledgeable team, it is a great resource in aiding families who are deciding if the time is right for assisted living or memory care. When it comes to the move-in process, our team helps in whatever way we can (see our detailed description of what is involved in our FAQs). We recognize moving into a retirement community is a major lifestyle transition for a senior and approach the moment with the utmost sensitivity. Our MorningStar team nurtures a relationship from the beginning and strives to open the resident to the many possibilities and adventures community life offers. You are considered part of the MorningStar family once a deposit secures your chosen suite and you take possession within a 10-day period. At this point, our “House to Home” process begins in earnest with securing the vital information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move including a medical assessment and physician’s plan of care for both assisted living and memory care residents. Practical help includes recommending reputable moving companies familiar with community living; and listening and communicating with our new resident to facilitate a smooth transition. While MorningStar at RidgeGate is known for our exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, we brag the most about our compassionate team who understands it is a privilege to serve. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care in Lone Tree, CO. We look forward to hearing from you. MorningStar at RidgeGate represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents. Visit our website for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Lone Tree, CO
0 Comments
Several studies have provided evidence suggesting pet ownership offers a range of health benefits for seniors. One of the most consistent findings is the fact that owning and caring for a pet may help seniors feel less lonesome, and with almost 1/3 of all seniors saying they are lonely, this is a good thing. In one study of pet owners ages 50 to 80: “88% said their pets help them enjoy life; 86% said their pets make them feel loved; and 79% said their pets help reduce stress.”
In addition to a pet’s unconditional love, caring for the animal provides an older person with a sense of purpose as their pet needs to be fed and cared for daily. For example, a dog encourages seniors to get outside and exercise both themselves and the animal. Studies show pets can help improve seniors’ cardiovascular health and their mental and emotional health. Other studies have shown benefits such as improved mobility, a longer life span, pain relief and a better heart attack recovery. While a pet can be a loving companion, it is important to pick one suited to the person’s physical health and their budget as vet bills can be costly. Cats and dogs make loyal friends but you may enjoy putting together and caring for an aquarium of exotic fish or raising songbirds. Whatever the choice, a pet is sure to bring a smile to the person’s face and help to keep them engaged on a daily basis. At MorningStar at RidgeGate, our goal is to provide the best independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch, CO and the surrounding area offers. We understand that your pet is an important part of your family and you would not wish to move somewhere that he or she was not welcome. If you decide to choose our beautiful senior living community for your new home, no worries – we are pet friendly! Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. MorningStar at RidgeGate offers the very best in senior housing with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please schedule a visit to see the finest independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch, CO and the surrounding area has to offer. Source: aplaceformom.com/resources/pets-for-seniors Too often seniors mistakenly believe that moving into assisted living means an end to their independence and their life as they knew it. We want to reassure you that at today’s assisted living communities like MorningStar of Boulder; nothing could be further from the truth.
Aging.com explains that while changes in a person’s ability to care for themselves can be caused by underlying medical conditions, studies show the importance of seniors receiving the assistance they need with the ADLs (activities of daily living). “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.” Another benefit of getting the help you need when you need it, is it actually gives the person a renewed sense of independence and lets them feel like they are once again in control of their life. Independence promotes a sense of achievement as well as a sense of self-worth and purpose. It inspires achievement, and reminds seniors that they still have a lot to contribute to their families, their communities and the world as a whole. At MorningStar of Boulder, one important part of our mission statement includes “valuing all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals — a commitment to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence.” Thus, our entire community is focused on physical, intellectual, spiritual and social activities that present creative ways for our residents to stay active and productive each day. Residents may also tap into their own unique talents and experiences by leading special interest clubs. Our beautiful home has 48 assisted living suites to meet a variety of needs from spacious studios to one- and two-bedroom floorplans as large as 700 sq. ft. While enjoying their stylish private suites, assisted living residents have peace of mind knowing that help is readily available when they need it. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 46 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our principles are based on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Committed to creating a true home for our residents amidst a beautiful, tranquil setting, we encourage you to learn more about one of Boulder’s finest assisted living communities. Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost one-third of all seniors live by themselves. In terms of numbers, that’s an estimated 13.8 million seniors. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse as many seniors self-isolated from family and friends.
Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.” The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.” Senior living communities like MorningStar at Jordan provide residents a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Along with extensive care services, MorningStar offers a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to craft classes, trivia and card games, bingo, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join. Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during weekdays and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis. We believe every moment you are alive is an opportunity to grow, set new goals, dream new dreams, and do better. MorningStar is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. Visit our website for more information on trusted senior living in Centennial, CO. MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts If you are retired, you probably have more time on your hands so why not try something new or something you have always wanted to do. This should include adding a physical activity to your daily routine as studies find many adults 65 years and older spend up to 10 hours a day sitting or lying down. Some of the best exercises for seniors are Nordic walking, swimming, golf, tai chi, and yoga. Experts say focus on improving your strength, balance and flexibility and check with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise routine.
In addition, you may want to include activities or hobbies that bring you into social contact with others. This can be done by taking a class online or in person. Suggestions include joining a book club, learning to play an instrument or taking an art or photography class. Retirement means more time to learn how to cook or to be more adventurous in the types of food you prepare. It can be lots of fun and help you eat healthier and save money. Take the challenge by learning to cook foods from around the world, and then share the fruits of your labor by inviting family or friends over. Birdwatching is a hobby that ties in several objectives. You get out into nature, which has been shown to lower anxiety; learn something new, and get physically active. Moreover, if you join a birdwatching club, you get to meet people who enjoy the same things you do. For anyone wanting to improve their photography skills, shooting pictures of birds is a good way to do it; and the hobby offers a great activity to do while traveling. Other enjoyable hobbies, which can help seniors cognitively, include putting together challenging traditional jigsaw puzzles or 3-D ones. Crossword and Sudoku puzzles, trivia games, chess and other brain games are also mentally challenging. Another hobby becoming more popular with seniors is online gaming that can improve memory and enhance cognitive skills. The MorningStar at RidgeGate senior living community offers seniors a welcoming, comfortable home for carefree retirement years. In addition to independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate memory care for our most tender residents. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted community. MorningStar at RidgeGate represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents. Visit our website for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Lone Tree, CO The U.S. News and World Report published an article on tasty treats designed to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a healthier alternative to more sugar laden desserts. One suggestion from board-certified oncology dietitian, Kailey Proctor, of the Leonard Cancer Institute at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California, is to grill pineapple, banana, apple or pear slices. Grilling concentrates flavors by reducing the water content, and further sweetens the fruit as natural sugars are caramelized by the heat.
Dark chocolate is a known powerful source of antioxidants as research shows it can help improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and raise HDLs, reducing your risk for heart disease. One healthy, easy-to-make dessert is to melt dark chocolate and spread it over parchment paper. Then sprinkle dried cherries, chopped nuts or sunflower seeds over it; refrigerate for five minutes and cut into small pieces. Another variation is to dip fresh strawberries or other fruit into melted dark chocolate. Yogurt parfaits are fun to put-together and can be customized to your taste. Using a parfait dish or small bowl, add granola, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, peanut butter or seeds, layering with yogurt. To cut down on fat, use nonfat or low-fat yogurt as it still provides a good source of protein without the calories. How about banana ice cream made from frozen pureed bananas mixed with almond milk? If you like, add in peanut butter and nuts. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top, which is “thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.” At MorningStar of Boulder, our many services include Executive Chef designed meals served restaurant-style. Meals are made largely from scratch with the freshest of ingredients. We also use “BrainWise Foods” known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Please visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other assisted living communities, and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our principles are based on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Committed to creating a true home for our residents amidst a beautiful, tranquil setting, we invite you to set up a visit to experience one of Boulder’s finest assisted living communities. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/healthy-dessertsand-theyre-tasty-too Currently Shingrix is the only vaccine approved for adults 50 years and older to protect against shingles. This vaccine is important as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one in three people in the U.S. develop shingles at some point, and every year an estimated 1 million people are diagnosed with the disease.
Symptoms of shingles include pain, rash, itching, and at first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters. People can additionally suffer from a hypersensitivity to touch or light as well as headaches and fevers. The disease can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and pain is generally most intense in the first few weeks. Some individuals may require pain medication to sleep or get comfort. When Shingrix first came on the market in 2017 so many people wanted it there weren’t enough dosages to meet demand. Now manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline reports there is plenty of supply available for anyone who wishes to get the shot. For many people who put off medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, now may be the time to protect yourself against shingles. The vaccine requires two doses given any time between two to six months; and studies show it to be highly effective against the shingles in both older healthy adults and frailer ones. “In a large multicenter study of approximately 27,000 people vaccinated with Shingrix or a placebo, effectiveness ranged from about 90% in frail participants to nearly 96% in non-frail participants.” MorningStar of Boulder’s goal is to be one of the best assisted living communities in the area, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents. Beautifully situated at the foot of the Rockies, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants as well as services in Longmont. Our community offers 48 stylish assisted living suites and 46 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. To experience our community up close, contact us to schedule a visit. MorningStar of Boulder represents the best in senior living with our distinct mission statement: “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our principles are based on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Committed to creating a true home for our residents amidst a beautiful, tranquil setting, we encourage you to learn more about one of Boulder’s finest assisted living communities. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/shingrix-shingles-vaccine Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens, which is normally transparent, and are the main cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. It is estimated more than 40 percent of Americans aged 75 years or older have some degree of lens clouding; and over half of people 80 or older have their vision significantly impaired by cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one.
Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking at the top of that list. Medical News Today reports on studies linking a 3-fold increase of smoking to cataracts as well as raising the risk of a number of other eye conditions. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil, and omega oils) and lean animal-sourced or plant-sourced proteins additionally reduces the risk of cataracts. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include wearing UV blocking sunglasses when in the sunlight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The risk for cataracts also increases with age, family history, and a history of eye inflammation or injury. If you are not ready for surgery yet, doctors say stronger glasses and brighter lights may help. Keep up with regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescription as needed. Wear sunglasses in the sun and avoid night driving. As your cataracts continue to develop and eyesight worsen, at some point you will most likely need surgery. If you are looking at senior living communities in Centennial, CO, MorningStar at Jordan may be your answer. We offer stylish assisted living suites in a variety of floorplans along with secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. We make it easy for your retirement years to be carefree with a full range of amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities as well as a staff who feel called to serve seniors. Please see our website for more information. MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. We often come to think something is true if we hear it stated as if it is a fact. Doctors say this happens in medicine more frequently than we realize. One such disease with lots of misinformation surrounding it is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominantly dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms develop slowly over years and may include tremors (mainly at rest); bradykinesia (slowness of movement); limb rigidity; and gait and balance problems.
One common misconception regarding PD is it only affects a person’s movement. Doctors explain this is untrue as symptoms can also include: cognitive impairment or dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep dysfunction, pain, apathy, sexual dysfunction, and bowel incontinence. Another thing many people believe is levodopa, one of the most effective treatments for PD, is only effective for a certain amount of time. However, experts say it is not the drug that becomes less potent but the fact that the “key enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine (aromatic acid decarboxylase or AADC) is predominantly found in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost during progression of the disease.” People should know tremors are not always a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, and that some people with PD never get them. In terms of the trajectory of the disease, it varies with individuals. Also, research suggests staying physically active can slow progression and reduce symptoms. Although the cause of the disease is not known nor is there a cure for it, there are treatments used to improve symptoms and allow people to have a good quality of life. While current therapies don’t slow or stop PD, researchers are working to identify biomarkers to enable earlier detection and hope to find better treatments. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at RidgeGate proudly provides the very best in independent living, assisted living and memory care 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 or visit our website for more information about our exceptional community in Lone Tree, CO. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-parkinsons-disease Research indicates we may be able to promote brain health by engaging in challenging cognitive activities like learning a new skill at an older age. The University of Texas studied the benefits for older adults who pursued cognitively engaging activities later in life.
The study consisted of 221 participants ranging in ages from 60 to 90, with an average age of 72 to try and determine what type of activities offered the greatest benefit to aging brains. Participants were divided into 6 groups with three taking part in what researchers labeled “productive cognitive engagement” involving active learning. Activities included learning photography and how to edit photos on the computer, quilting on a computer-driven sewing machine or doing both photography and quilting. Two other groups were assigned to what researchers referred to as the ‘receptive engagement conditions,’ and neither involved learning new things or engaging in unfamiliar intellectual activities. Rather people were put into a social club where they mainly did familiar activities or were asked to read informative material and watch documentaries. All performed their tasks for 15 hours per week for 14 weeks. The sixth group was the control group and did not change their activity patterns. Researchers compared participants at the end of the study and found those who did productive cognitive engagement had significantly more improvement in episodic memory. They explain episodic memory is our memory of past events and has been found to be the type of memory most impacted by aging. The study suggests “memory improvement need not come from brain games or memory drills, but can also come from learning a challenging new skill.” At MorningStar of Boulder, our stylish suites come in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and 2-bedroom configurations. Amenities include Executive Chef-inspired meals, restaurant-style dining, fitness room, salon, library, all-season porches, and more. In addition, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to keep residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually engaged. For more information on the finest assisted living in Boulder, CO, please visit our website. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Boulder, “to honor, to serve, to invest”, sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a true home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself the best assisted living Boulder, CO has to offer. Source: matherinstitute.com/2015/06/29/late-life-learning-what-are-the-brain-benefits/ |
AuthorAt Morningstar Senior Living we strive to create a true home where you can enjoy your retirement years as carefree as possible. Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, our team works diligently to give residents a quality of life eclipsing that of other senior living communities. Archives
July 2018
Categories
All
|