Driving Safely as You Age

Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others.  The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion.  Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease.  They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake. 

A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision.  Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars.  Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done.  Many problems can be corrected if caught early enough.  

 

Remember that certain medications can cause drowsiness so make sure you know the side effects of your prescription drugs and do not drive if you are feeling sleepy.  It may be a good idea to limit trips in the car to daylight hours and when the weather is good.  Keep in mind that a person’s reaction time slows with age as do their motor skills.  You may need to re-evaluate your driving every so few months, especially if you find yourself having incidences of accidents that almost happen. 

The MedicineNet website has some safe driving tips for seniors:

Planning before you leave:

·         Plan to drive on streets you know.

·         Limit your trips to places that are easy to get to and close to home.

·         Take routes that let you avoid risky spots like ramps and left turns.

·         Add extra time for travel if driving conditions are bad.

·         Don't drive when you are stressed or tired.

While you are driving:

·         Always wear your seat belt.

·         Stay off the cell phone.

·         Avoid distractions such as listening to the radio or having conversations.

·         Leave a big space, at least two car lengths, between your car and the one in front of you. If you are driving at higher speeds or if the weather is bad, leave even more space between you and the next car.

·         Make sure there is enough space behind you. (Hint: if someone follows you too closely, slow down so that the person will pass you.)

·         Use your rear window defroster to keep the back window clear at all times.

·         Keep your headlights on at all times.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about out exceptional independent and assisted living.

Our Leadership Team Sets the Standard for Exceptional Care

At MorningStar at Dayton Place, you will find we offer independent living suites and assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and on three levels.  We also offer 17 secure suites for memory care without our Reflections Neighborhood, which is in a separate wing.  Our beloved community is located in southeast Denver and we have achieved an excellent reputation as one of the area’s finest senior living community.     

It doesn’t just happen that you earn a reputation as the “best,” but rather requires a dedicated team starting with management, and we are fortunate to have such a team.   Our extraordinary care starts at the top with Iva Prinsen, our Executive Director.  Iva brought an extensive background in senior living as well as a degree in Health/Health Care Administration/Management when she joined our team a year and a half ago.   

She explains that the first senior she loved was her grandmother, Ida, whom she is named after.  Iva grew up on a family farm with her grandmother and spent time with her every day after school.  Iva believes that living out the MorningStar mission in her grandmother’s memory, she is inspired and impassioned to make sure each senior is treated with dignity and respect every day.  She adds, “I’m so thankful that God brought MorningStar into my career path.”

Our Wellness Director, Augusta Edeh, grew up in Sierra Leone where she lived with her grandmother.  She says it is no exaggeration to say her grandmother laid the foundation for her life, prepared her to face its challenges, and still inspires her to this day.  Augusta came to MorningStar on the recommendation of a friend who loved the way both staff and residents are treated like family.

Rounding out our management team is Sharon Hurley who serves as our Director of Community Relations.  She began working for MorningStar at our Jordan community back in 2014.  She relates how she loves the person she has become by “being in the presence of seniors, and receiving immeasurably more from our residents than I could ever give.”

Along with our managers, MorningStar at Dayton Place also has an excellent team of individuals who feel privileged to serve seniors.    Please visit our website to learn more about our community.   

MorningStar at Dayton Place offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please call or email to setup a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Denver CO.

Loneliness Impacts Senior’s Health and Wellbeing

A study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that loneliness in aging adults can impact their health and wellbeing and be responsible for accelerating seniors’ decline and death.  They cite that “people 60-years-old and older who reported feeling lonely saw a 45 percent increase in their risk for death.  Isolated elders also had a 59 percent greater risk of mental and physical decline than their more social counterparts.”

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 28 percent of people 65 years and older (11 million at the time of the census) lived alone.  In addition to living alone, there are several reasons seniors feel lonesome including losing a spouse.   Furthermore, the AARP reports that more and more seniors do not have children, which means fewer family members available to provide companionship and care.  As many elderly people stop driving, they may not have a convenient way to get around and this can contribute to more feelings of isolation. 

Researchers also discovered that isolated seniors often behave in ways that make others less likely to want to spend time with them.  Not only do the seniors resist the efforts of those who want to reach out but actually push them away.

If you have an elderly parent or know someone who is living alone, there are some easy things you can do to make them feel cared about.  One way is to really engage them in conversation and ask questions and listen to their stories about the past.  Another thing you can do is to help them find a hobby they will enjoy or rekindle an interest in something they used to do.   If you live a distance from an elderly parent, call frequently and send greeting cards or small gifts that let them know you are thinking of them. 

Senior living communities such as MorningStar of Beaverton provide assisted living and memory care for older adults as well as an ideal place to socialize and form bonds with both residents and staff.  We offer seniors a lifestyle that provides all the comforts of a real home.  Please visit our website to learn more.     

MorningStar of Beaverton 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 or stop by the Information Center on our construction site to learn more.

Source: agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm

Receiving a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you are not alone.  It is estimated that 5.7 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and every 65 seconds someone in the US develops the disease.  As a way to help families impacted by the disease, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a variety of resources and services. 

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it a range of emotions. Learning that you have a disease with no cure and no way to control what is happening to you can create feelings of anger, denial, depression and resentment as well as fear.  Another common emotion is isolation and the feeling that no one else understands what you are going through.  There can even be a sense of relief at finding out what is happening to you and having those concerns validated. 

The Alzheimer’s Association counsels that it helps to try and come to terms with your diagnosis and the emotions you are experiencing as a way to help you to move forward.  They explain that, “once you make the commitment to take care of your emotional needs; you may find that you can rise to the challenge and face your diagnosis.”   

You will find helpful coping tips on their website to make it easier to deal with what you are going through.  One of their most important suggestions is to have good support whether it comes from joining a support group, sharing concerns with family and friends, or talking to a counselor or member of the clergy.  They also say to continue to do the activities you enjoy for as long as you are able.  Finally they remind individuals to take time to “feel sad, mourn and grieve.” 

At MorningStar Senior Living of Glendale our secure and loving Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the care of those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia related diseases.  We leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy, and animals to heal and comfort residents, while taking into consideration the uniqueness of each person. Our team works every day to make a difference in the lives of our memory care residents. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about out exceptional independent and assisted living.

Source: alz.org/i-have-alz/i-have-alzheimers-dementia.asp

Assisted Living May Help You Live a Fuller Life

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that assisted living is not such a “terrible place” after all but rather a true home that offers many benefits.  Several studies also back up this assertion and have found that for many seniors, community living is a healthier, safer and more agreeable alternative to living alone. 

Initially it can be difficult for seniors to leave their familiar family home and often mistakenly think moving into an assisted living community will mean the end of their independence.  Actually, the opposite ends up being true as when a senior receives the proper care he or she needs, they are able to lead a fuller life. 

Another reason seniors can be reluctant to make the move is they do not realize that assisted living communities of today are not anything like nursing homes.  As a resident of an assisted living community, you not only will have you own private suite but an array of care options and amenities that are designed to provide your utmost comfort and security.    

In many cases assisted living is a much better option than trying to patch together the range of services the senior needs from in-home care providers.  Furthermore, assisted living communities are already set up to accommodate those who may have mobility difficulties, and it can be expensive to retrofit a private home to make it safe enough for a senior with physical limitations.  In addition, assisted living communities such as MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton provide 24/7 care and offer residents as well as their families the peace of mind knowing help is close at hand in an emergency.  

Please see our website for contact information and to learn why assisted living or memory care may be the right decision for you or your loved one. 

MorningStar of Beaverton 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 or stop by the Information Center on our construction site to learn more.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/   

How You Think About Aging May Influence Your Health

A recent study from the Yale School of Public Health suggests you may be more likely to develop brain changes typically associated with Alzheimer’s disease if you believe growing older is a negative thing.  Published in the American Psychological Association’s journal, Psychology and Aging, the report also found if a person shifts to more positive feelings about aging, it may help to mitigate the damages of Alzheimer’s.

“We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes,” explains the study’s leader, Becca Levy, an associate professor of public health and psychology at the Yale.   She adds that “it is encouraging to realize that these negative beliefs about aging can be mitigated, and positive beliefs about aging can be reinforced, so that the adverse impact is not inevitable.”

The first part of the study was conducted with 52 men and women who were a part of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, a long-term study out of Baltimore.  The group answered surveys that examined their opinions on aging.  Negative views included the belief elderly people are sickly and have little to contribute, or that they cannot concentrate well and are absent-minded.  Positive beliefs included the notion that older people can lead vibrant lives and be engaged in society. 

Each participant had regular MRI brain scans to check for signs of Alzheimer’s.  Those who answered questions more negatively had a “greater decline in the volume of the hippocampus, a part of the brain critical for memory.”  This is significant as “the hippocampus is one of the first areas of the brain to shrink in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.”  

The second part of the study included a much larger group of elderly people.  At the time of the report, 74 have died and researchers have conducted autopsies on their brain.  Those who held more negative beliefs on aging tended to have an increase in the amount of amyloid plaques and the buildup of tau, the “telltale signs of Alzheimer’s.” 

Researchers note that people in America typically hold more negative views on aging as compared to countries such as India, which venerates the elderly, and could be one reason Alzheimer’s is five time more prevalent in the U.S.  While positive thinking is no guarantee, the study suggests that “not stressing so much about old age may help to keep the brain young.”

MorningStar at Dayton Place offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please call or email to setup a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Denver CO.

Source: alzinfo.org/articles/research/negative-beliefs-about-aging-could-prime-the-brain-for-alzheimers/

What to Expect from Assisted Living

Many families with elderly parents or loved ones are uncertain just what to expect from an assisted living community.  While each community has its own personality and differs from the type of services and amenities offered, typically “assisted living” is a long-term care option that provides personal care support services such as bathing, dressing, meals, medication management, and transportation.  According to aPlaceforMom.com, assisted living may offer “a more cost effective, residential approach to delivering many of the same services either by employing home health agencies or personal care staff.”

At MorningStar of Glendale, we offer 71 private assisted living suites in a variety of configurations as well as provide residents with a whole host of resort-style amenities and services.  Upon joining our community, the resident and their family meets with our Wellness Director for a thorough assessment of their needs that is used to create a customized care plan. 

Furthermore, regardless of the level of care you receive, all residents have an onsite 24/7 Care Manager that is ready to ensure their safety and comfort.  We also offer a licensed nurse onsite 5 days a week and on call 24/7; medication management by certified med care managers; periodic care plan reviews; and scheduled health & wellness evaluations.

As MorningStar defines health and well-being holistically, we are proud to offer a range of services and programs that support the whole person: body, mind and spirit.  We consider wellness to be a joint effort between our Life Enrichment and Wellness programs, which play a critical role in making MorningStar the destination for successful aging.

Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful community opening later this year.  In addition to our 71 assisted living suites, we offer 38 Casitas for independent living and 35 secure suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about out exceptional independent and assisted living.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/things-you-didnt-know-about-assisted-living-2-19-2012/

Many Seniors Enjoy the Benefits of Assisted Living

Many seniors are pleasantly surprised to discover that moving to an assisted living community is not the worst thing to happen to them.  In fact, statistics show that for many seniors it is a healthier, more agreeable alternative to living alone.  The reason some seniors are initially reluctant to make the move is that they are unaware of the significant changes that have occurred in assisted living over the last several years especially in terms of care options and amenities. 

  

Today’s communities like MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton offer assisted living that is geared toward meeting aging adult’s physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  Also for many seniors, assisted living offers a better choice for those who require help in their daily lives than receiving in-home care services.  This is because assisted living communities offer 24/7 care and provide the security of knowing help is not far away in the event of an emergency.   

For seniors living alone, assisted living provides the opportunity for socializing whether it is with planned activities or in common areas designed to encourage relaxed interactions.  Even if you are someone who values your privacy, community living offers the benefit of private suites with the comfort of having others around.   

Another reason you may want to consider assisted living is that communities such as MorningStar of Beaverton are designed for the mobility and safety of seniors who may not be as sturdy on their feet as they once were.   To modify your own home to accommodate physical limitations can be quite expensive. 

At MorningStar of Beaverton, we also provide scheduled transportation and planned outings to a variety of places such as the local mall, a park or to see a play.  Furthermore, for many seniors cooking and preparing meals is difficult and we solve that problem by providing tasty, nutritional daily meals.  Please see our website or contact us for more information on how assisted living may be the right decision for you or your loved one.   

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community in Beaverton Oregon.

Source: aplaceformom.com/blog/social-life-for-seniors-why-assisted-living-is-better/

What is Assisted Living?

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 a community offering assisted living, 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 in independent living.  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 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. 

Opening in Fall 2018, MorningStar of Arvada will offer assisted living along with independent living and memory care.  Our assisted living option will provide 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.  

Please see our website to learn more about senior living at MorningStar of Arvada.   Along with beautifully appointed spaces, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community.

  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to visit to see for yourself our exceptional community for independent and assisted living.

Revolutionary iN2L Technology at MorningStar of Glendale

Among all of the numerous services and amenities we will provide to our residents, MorningStar of Glendale is proud to offers the intuitive, user-friendly “It’s Never 2 Late” (iN2L) system.  Infused with innovative technology, the software makes it easy for everyone to enjoy using a computer regardless of prior experience.  Users can easily launch hundreds of applications, navigate the web and access their email with a simple press of a button.

The state-of-the-art engagement system combines touchscreen computers with intuitive, picture-based software.  Also, with a library of 3,000 choices geared toward social and spiritual connection, intellectual and physical stimulation, emotional support, and vocational interest, activities are adapted to a resident’s unique abilities and interests. Examples of some of the content include online newspapers, brain fitness programs, inspirational videos and sermons, classic movies and TV shows, and virtual world tours. 

In addition, each resident has the opportunity to create a “My Page,” with their own personal profile including email addresses, family photos, favorite games and websites.  Residents can also Skype with family members and easily receive new photos of family activities. 

The iN2L technology is also designed to be used by memory care residents and has content developed by dementia care experts to help engage people with dementia.  The software contains hundreds of entertaining, challenging and interactive games and puzzles, specifically designed for all levels of cognition.

Opening later this year, MorningStar of Glendale offers 38 well-appointed Casitas for independent living, 65 beautiful assisted living suites and 35 secure suites for those living with memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Please visit MorningStar of Glendale’s website to learn about all of our amenities and services. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about out exceptional independent and assisted living.

Older Adults are Discovering the Benefits of Senior Living

Now that senior living communities have change dramatically from the past, more and more seniors are discovering the many advantages to senior living.  Whether you are a senior who requires a little extra care or an active one who desires a more carefree lifestyle, senior living communities are becoming more and more appealing. 

Today’s independent living and assisted living communities offer comfortable, carefree retirement years and are designed to meet aging adults’ physical, emotional, spiritual and wellness needs.  In a senior living community such as MorningStar at Dayton Place, residents find it easy to socialize and meet new friends as well as to engage in a variety of meaningful activities.

Another benefit of senior living is you can leave behind all of the chores required of a homeowner such as mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, and other routine, time-consuming chores that can be difficult for seniors.  At MorningStar at Dayton Place, someone else handles the maintenance while you have the freedom to concentrate on more fulfilling activities. 

Many times older adults have medical conditions that result in them no longer being able or feeling comfortable driving, which is why one of Dayton Place’s services includes scheduled transportation.  We also provide routine trips to local shopping malls, entertainment venues, parks, museums and more.  

Also don’t worry if you are a senior who values your privacy as your suite is your own personal “nest.”  We just provide a level of comfort knowing help is close at hand when you need it such as if you have a fall or a medical emergency.     

MorningStar at Dayton Place invites you to schedule a tour to see for yourself why our residents are proud to call us “home”.  Our community has 104 independent living suites and 76 assisted living suites that include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans on three levels.  In addition we offer independent living at The Cottages at Dayton Place and have 17 suites for memory care. 

Source:

http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/why-seniors-prefer-senior-living-communities/

MorningStar at Dayton Place offers the very best in senior living with a unique 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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please call or email to setup a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Denver CO.

Companion Living Program at MorningStar of Beaverton

In addition to MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Beaverton offering seniors a choice of smartly-designed spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, we also allow residents to share living arrangements.  Our Companion Living program is specifically designed for unrelated seniors of the same sex to share a suite.  This arrangement is available to both our assisted living and memory care residents.   

What are the benefits?  Actually there are many reasons it may make good sense for you or a family member that is considering senior living. Since we understand that people are designed for relationships, most of us flourish when we are in one.  However, the fact is that many seniors have lost their long-term life partner and are left feeling bereft and isolated.  So besides offering the economic benefit of splitting the monthly rent expense in half, a roommate can help alleviate many of these feelings.

In addition to providing a companion, a roommate can make the transition period for a new in-coming resident much easier.  The seasoned community member can help guide their new companion through all the facets of senior living and make them feel more confident in socializing with the entire community.  Also another often overlooked advantage to companion living is that since roommates inherently look out after one another, they may be the first one to notice a change in the health of their roomie. 

 

To ensure the arrangement works for both parties, MorningStar goes to great lengths to match residents who wish to participate in companion living and pair residents based on similar backgrounds and shared interests.  Furthermore, even when you share the rent with another resident, you are still offered the full scope of MorningStar resort-style amenities including daily meals, activities, scheduled transportation, entertainment and much more.   Please contact us if you think this is something you would be interested in.

MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community in Beaverton Oregon.

Downsizing Tips to Prepare for Your Move into Senior Living

Once you decide to move into a senior living community like MorningStar of Glendale, you may be faced with downsizing decades’ worth of personal items and a houseful of furnishings.  It is no wonder it feels like an overwhelming task. 

Organizing experts have several tips to help you get started such as beginning with an inventory of your possessions.  After that, create a list of the things you do not want to part with and another list of items you would like to give away to family and friends.       

Now measure the size of your new space and create a floor plan that gives you a realistic idea of how your furnishings will fit.  If the unit is a studio or a smaller, one bedroom, you do not want to be so crowded you cannot safely move around.  It may even turn out that you need to buy some things like a smaller couch or coffee table. 

Your next step should be to evaluate the things you want to keep to determine if you will have the room.  The process will require some give and take but keep in mind you do not want to bring a lot of useless clutter to your new home. Also remember at communities such as MorningStar of Glendale, we do much of the cooking so you will likely need fewer kitchen items.

Any possessions that are left can be sold, donated or recycled and some charities will even come and pick up pieces of furniture and items you do not want.  When you get into your new suite or Casita, use bins and shelving to help organize everything so you can easily get to it. 

Please visit MorningStar of Glendale’s website or stop by our onsite information center during construction to learn more about our beautiful community. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Glendale, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.  Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about out exceptional independent and assisted living.