When is It Time for Memory Care?

June 24, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

The US News & World Reports, states, “More than 6 million people in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 11 million family members care for someone with dementia, while others with memory issues live in assisted living communities, nursing homes or memory care units.”

The decline of a person with Alzheimer’s slowly worsens over time; and it is not always easy for family members to realize their loved one needs additional support for both their safety and daily living activities. Healthcare providers say memory care may be called for if the person exhibits subtle behavioral changes in personality, declining health and an increase in confusion. Incontinence is another reason families turn to memory care. Moreover the family caregiver should be considered as increasing needs can lead to caregiver burnout. Also memory care provides peace of mind if your loved one is no longer answering their phone or replying to emails.

For some, Alzheimer’s can bring with it dramatic and challenging behavior changes. Your gentle spirited mom or dad may start to exhibit aggressive behaviors that are difficult to deal with. Generally outgoing people may withdraw and avoid socializing. Hygiene can be hit and miss, and the person no longer changes clothes or brushes their hair or teeth.

Other behaviors that change over time can make family caregiving increasingly difficult and time-consuming. Physical safety concerns such as wandering, trying to cook and forgetting to turn off the stove or burning themselves as well as still wanting to drive; can be a constant worry.

Memory care communities like MorningStar of Arvada are equipped to handle these types of problems. To start with, the physical makeup of our distinct Reflections Neighborhood community is designed to safeguard residents from harm and include secure doors with keypads, enclosed courtyards and easy-to-navigate floor plans. Our compassionate, dedicated team is specifically trained to provide care for our most tender residents; and an array of stimulating and/or calming activities helps soothe and engage residents.

Please contact us to learn more about memory care Arvada, CO families can count on. Our MorningStar of Arvada community also offers assisted living for a person who may not be ready for memory care but would flourish from our senior care services. We invite you to schedule a tour to experience firsthand our philosophy and commitment to care for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Transitioning a Parent to Memory Care

April 22, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

A memory loss diagnosis, like Alzheimer’s or dementia, can be debilitating news. You may be wondering what senior care options you have for your parent, spouse, or loved one. While it may be a difficult process, MorningStar Senior Living offers families the support they need to make the right memory care choice.

Transitioning a parent into Memory Care is difficult for everyone involved. We understand the grief associated with a memory loss diagnosis and relying on someone else to care for your loved one. Trusted memory care communities give seniors a new way of living that encourages their independence and promotes safety. Below are some practical tips to make the transition to memory care easy and seamless.

Keep Open Communication

While researching memory care communities, you should keep an open dialogue with your loved one so that they feel involved in the process. You may find it more difficult to communicate openly due to their memory loss diagnosis, but asking questions about their preferences may be beneficial. Find time throughout the process to let them know what’s going on and how you will be with them every step of the way.

Pack and Prepare

Downsizing and packing is a very mentally and physically demanding process for families to go through when transitioning a loved one to memory care. Throughout the years, we gather a lot of things we love and cherish, making it difficult to downsize and focus on what is most important to pack. While it may be difficult, downsizing will help your loved one ease into their memory care transition. Once you start decorating their space with some of their most beloved items, they will feel more comfortable and safe.

Explore Memory Care Arvada, Co

Want to know more about the built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and security that come from our Alzheimer’s care community? MorningStar Senior Memory Care in Arvada, Colorado, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love in a safe space. Contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Arvada. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.

Stimulating Activities for Seniors in Memory Care

April 19, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

There is so much still unknown about Alzheimer’s and dementia. When it comes to treating a memory loss diagnosis, it is best to utilize holistic approaches that work to soothe and comfort the individual with the condition. While medication can be used as a supplemental treatment, the best memory care uses a whole-body approach, bringing in stimulating activities that both calm and engage the individual.

Whether a person is in a memory care community or receiving care at home, mentally stimulating activities like the ones below should be incorporated regularly to promote overall health.

Spending Time Outdoors

Being in nature is relaxing for almost everyone, especially seniors struggling with memory loss. The calming sounds, fresh air, and stimulating surroundings work to calm the brain and bring people to peace. If a senior can move and walk for short distances, nature walks are a great way to incorporate exercise and calming techniques at the same time, which work to reduce stress and anxiety together. Make sure to provide the safety measures if you and an elderly loved one are planning to do a nature walk. Try to remain on flat terrain that is void of rocks, tree roots, or water as these can cause unnecessary accidents.

Puzzles and Games

Board games, like puzzles, chess, or checkers, offer great brain exercise for seniors. Puzzles encourage problem-solving skills and are great to play in a group to aid in communication and connection. It is especially important to consider any past games your loved one was very fond of, as these could help to bring back good memories or thoughts about the games they played. Remember to remain patient, as readjusting to rules and guidelines may be overwhelming for some seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s.

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

When Should You Look Into More Memory Care Support

April 17, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

There is still a lot that is unknown about Alzheimer’s and dementia, which makes the diagnosis devastating for many families. With no cure available, families often feel discouraged about their loved one’s future and treatment. This is especially true for spouses or children of senior parents who develop dementia, as it brings about a lot of uncertainty and grief.

While finding the most trusted memory care Arvada Co has to offer for your loved one, it is also important to care for yourself and find peace while navigating this new journey. Keep reading to understand when you should look into finding more memory care support for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Burnout is not uncommon for caregivers to feel after caring for an elderly parent or loved one with dementia for an extended period. Caregiver burnout can feel like constant anxiety, insomnia, GI difficulties, depression, and guilt. While providing care for your loved one can be very rewarding, the added hardships can make it difficult for you to feel like a great caregiver every day. If it’s time to consider other memory care options near you, MorningStar Senior Living Arvada can provide caregivers with the trusted memory care support they desperately need.

MorningStar Memory Care Support for Dementia

Seniors experiencing memory loss shouldn’t have to sacrifice a high quality of life. As memory care experts, MorningStar understands the difficulties associated with a memory loss diagnosis and we are here to help shoulder some of the burden. To deliver MorningStar’s exceptional care, all team members complete holistic memory care training under our “Lavender Sky” program. With Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s memory care leverages the power of music, art, dance, animal therapy, and other holistic techniques to encourage a fully enriched life.

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

How Families Can Find Memory Care Support at MorningStar

April 15, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

When a loved one is given a memory loss diagnosis, the world can become a little more difficult to navigate. A dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be hard to navigate, which is why families need to have access to the best memory care support for their loved one.

MorningStar Memory Care Arvada has been recognized as a leader in dementia care, providing necessary memory care support for seniors and their families in the following ways:

Innovative Memory Care Under a Lavender Sky

MorningStar Memory Care Arvada has a unique approach to memory care that has gathered a lot of attention in recent years. MornigStar’s memory care community combats worries surrounding a memory loss diagnosis through a compassionate and holistic dementia treatment approach they have coined “Lavender Sky.”

Under a “Lavender Sky,” memory care providers and staff at MorningStar are taught to thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the realm of dementia. Instead of falling into a passive approach toward memory loss, “Lavender Sky” is a holistic approach that accepts the difficult diagnosis while pledging to enter into this new reality with intentional care and empathy.

Some more traditional memory care approaches overutilize pharmaceuticals. While medication can be beneficial for some seniors, it may not fix an underlying problem. Understanding seniors at a personal level provides great memory care support for seniors and their families.

Specialized Memory Care Training

MorningStar requires all of our staff (culinary, housekeeping, front desk, and caretakers) to go through Lavender Sky memory care training. This training program ensures that all staff have a deeper understanding of what dementia is and how to properly respond if a resident might require additional support or changes to their memory care plan.

Specializing memory care provides adequate support to families by giving them peace of mind about their loved one’s treatment. Through open communication, families get to have a say in their family member’s treatment.

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

What is All-Inclusive Memory Care?

April 15, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

It can be difficult to make the right memory care choice for your parent or loved one. There are many memory care options, but all-inclusive memory care offers the best benefits for families and seniors. All-inclusive memory care communities in Beaverton, like MorningStar Senior Living, offer seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia a place to experience the benefits of retirement while being in a supportive environment focused on care and fulfillment.

All-inclusive memory care is designed to simplify the senior living process for families. This type of memory care offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities and care under one flat rate per month. This rate also covers meals, housing, utilities, and other events that may be offered. All-inclusive senior living provides seniors with everything they need within one community, eliminating the need for caregivers to create separate arrangements for meals, therapies, medical intervention, and around-the-clock care.

Easier Access to Amenities and Activities

While caregiving for a loved one is empowering, it can also be difficult to provide a loved one with all the activities and amenities you want to give them. Holistic therapies, group activities, parties, events, and clubs are regular activities at all-inclusive memory care communities for seniors. This takes the stress of caregivers to plan, pay, and make room for providing activities in their own homes.

Socialization and Fulfillment

Without regular socialization, seniors can experience depression and other health concerns. Memory care communities provide seniors with ample opportunities to socialize with staff, family, and other residents. Even if communication and mobility are impaired, seniors are still encouraged to participate in the events happening within the community.

Holistic Memory Care and Senior Living

Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

What Services and Amenities are Offered for Seniors in Memory Care

April 12, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Senior living is often an unfamiliar realm for many families and seniors, especially if their loved one needs memory care or assisted senior living. Many families assume that their loved one will have to live at home with them. While you certainly can decide to care for your loved one on your own, all-inclusive memory care communities offer a variety of services and amenities for seniors that help to make their lives easier and more rewarding.

If you are curious about senior living options, MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care proudly brings the finest memory care Beaverton, Oregon, has to offer for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The team is highly experienced in serving seniors and offers a wide range of services and luxury-style amenities. Keep reading to know if memory care is the right option for your loved one.

Professionally Trained Staff

MorningStar works diligently to hire and train a responsive and compassionate care team. We recognize the key to our success is bringing on the right group of people committed to serving seniors with difficult diseases and complications with love, kindness, honesty, and humility. It is together as a team that we can provide the most genuine memory care possible.

Memory Care Therapies and Activities

MorningStar Senior Living Beaverton provides therapeutic memory care that helps seniors relax and feel more engaged. Art therapies, pet therapies, and music therapy are popular memory care activities at MorningStar. Other activities like movie nights, nature walks, board games, and craft-making aim to stimulate cognitive function, evoke positive memories, and foster emotional well-being for seniors in memory care communities.

Holistic Memory Care and Senior Living

Holistic Memory Care Prioritizes Emotional Wellbeing

April 12, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Unlike traditional memory care approaches that depend on pharmaceutical treatments to manage behavior, holistic memory care emphasizes a senior’s strengths, passions, abilities, and personality through a person centered approach to memory care.

While medication can certainly be used to treat some symptoms associated with dementia, holistic memory care focuses on treatment that does not rely on pharmaceutical intervention. At MorningStar Memory Care Arvada, we offer holistic memory care that prioritizes emotional well-being in the following ways:

Personalized Treatment

Holistic memory care at MorningStar redefines traditional Alzheimer’s care. Under a holistic approach, specialized care plans are created and tailored to every senior’s unique needs, interests, and abilities. This holistic memory care approach allows seniors to maintain their sense of identity and independence while also giving them the appropriate level of memory care that is specifically adjusted to their needs. While medication can be incorporated into their personalized care plan, we are focused on understanding seniors as individuals and holistically treating dementia symptoms.

Holistic Memory Care Therapies

Holistic memory care treatment focuses on treating the whole-body health of an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia. MorningStar Memory Care Arvada incorporates holistic care therapies to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with dementia. Music therapy, art therapy, yoga, mindfulness meditations, and art classes are all holistic therapies that support memory care treatment.

Emotional Support

Acknowledging the feelings, experiences, and concerns of seniors with dementia is an important part of holistic memory care treatments. Part of creating personalized care plans is to tailor emotional support interventions that match a senior’s personality and communication style, ensuring that care is personalized and effective. Working collaboratively with mental health professionals when necessary provides additional emotional support as well.

Finding the Right Memory Care Arvada, Co

How To Cope with Caregiver Stress

April 05, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Providing care to a senior parent with Alzheimer’s or dementia comes with a complex set of thoughts and emotions. On one hand, you feel it’s your job to provide memory care for your parents, on the other hand, there are times when you feel burnt out, uncared for, and even resentful. Caregiving for an elderly parent with memory impairment at home is challenging, but there are things you can do to care for yourself while still providing the best memory care for your parents.

What is caregiver stress?

Burnout is typically what caregivers feel after caring for an elderly parent or loved one for an extended period. For adults who are caring for parents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the emotional, physical, and mental toll can be very burdensome. Often, these adult children may experience insomnia, weight gain, increased health concerns, financial struggles, and depression. It’s hard to care for two adults at once, but the following advice from trusted memory care communities may provide some relief going forward:

Get Familiar with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. There is still a lot we do not know yet about Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, you can still take the time to become familiar with your loved one’s specific struggles and symptoms of memory loss. Take the time to understand what treatment options you have and what memory care treatment services they qualify for. What medications or holistic treatments are available? Taking the time to educate yourself on your options can better help you prepare for the future.
Set Realistic Expectations. You can’t do it all. Specialized memory care communities have educated and exceptionally trained staff in dementia care, meaning duties are split effectively. Knowing that you are only one person, realize it is okay to ask for help or to seek out other services when necessary.
Consider Respite Care. There may be times when you will need to go out of town, have a surgery yourself, move, or need an extended break from caregiving for other reasons. Respite care allows caregivers the chance to complete these tasks while knowing their loved one is being properly cared for in a trusted memory care community.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

The Benefits of All-Inclusive Memory Care

April 01, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

There is a lot of planning that goes into setting up a retirement goal. Many seniors know what they would like to do in their retirement, such as moving into a senior living community, traveling, selling their home, studying a new skill, saving for the future, the list goes on. But what if there is something that doesn’t go as planned? Memory impairment diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia cannot be detected before they begin. A memory loss diagnosis impedes a senior’s retirement plan if not thoughtfully considered. If the time comes when memor y care is necessary, it’s important to know your options.

All-inclusive memory care provides a range of benefits, services, and amenities to a senior experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some of the major benefits include:

Better Financial Rewards. Senior care can be expensive, especially if you are constantly needing to move your loved one around to different facilities regularly. All-inclusive memory care is a more affordable option for families looking for specialized memory care with staff trained in memory care approaches. All inclusive memory care includes a flat rate that includes housing, meals, activities, amenities, and more.

More Access to Amenities and Activities. While caregiving for a loved one is empowering, it can also be difficult to provide a loved one with all the activities and amenities you want to give them. Holistic therapies, group activities, parties, events, and clubs are regular activities at all inclusive memory care communities for seniors. This takes the stress of caregivers to plan, pay, and make room for providing activities in their own homes.

Socialization. Without regular socialization, seniors can experience depression and other health concerns. Memory care communities provide seniors with ample opportunities to socialize with staff, family, and other residents. Even if communication and mobility is impaired, seniors are still encouraged to participate in the events happening within the community.

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Better Communication and Alzheimer’s: How-To

April 01, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis is difficult to navigate. This is especially true if you have no experience with Alzheimer’s or other memory loss diseases. You may worry about how your relationship with your now-diagnosed loved one will look or change over time. You may already have noticed how your communication with your loved one has changed. It can be extremely frustrating to adjust your communication methods, however, you may find utilizing these communication skills from highly knowledgeable memory care communities that specialize in dementia treatment beneficial moving forward with your specialized memory care approaches.

How Dementia Affects Communication

Over time, Alzheimer’s and dementia will gradually lessen an individual’s ability to communicate in traditional ways. This is because dementia causes nerve cell failure in the brain, meaning an individual with dementia will have difficulty speaking or understanding speech from someone else. Not only this, but dementia can cause difficulty with social skills, and may not understand appropriate responses or reactions to situations. All of this makes communicating with a loved one who has dementia very difficult. Adjusting your communication strategies for better Alzheimer’s communication may include:

Staying patient & flexible. Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice we can give to a family wanting to communicate with their loved one is to stay patient, calm, understanding, and flexible. It’s defeating sometimes to deal with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but patience will help your loved one to feel more comfortable with you, allowing them to want to open up and try to communicate more often.
Avoid complex language. When communicating with someone with dementia, it’s best to stay away from using complex language or phrases. Metaphors, satire, and sarcasm can cause confusion and frustration.
Refrain from asking difficult questions. Questions tend to confuse seniors with Alzheimer’s and can make the communication process more tedious and overwhelming. Try to keep communication free-flowing and simple.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

3 Amazing Music Therapy Benefits for Seniors in Memory Care

April 01, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Interestingly, music plays a critical role in our memory and recollection abilities. This is especially true for seniors struggling with a memory loss diagnosis like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Memory care communities that incorporate music therapy into their senior care approaches can significantly improve the lives of seniors with Alzheimer’s. This is because there is a distinctive relationship between memory and music.

The relationship between dementia and music

Our memory has a significant relationship with music, meaning music can evoke strong reactions and sensations just by hearing a familiar tune or favorite song. Music therapy is one of the many growing holistic methods offered in memory care communities for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia because of music’s powerful benefits. The following are 3 of the many amazing benefits of music therapy for seniors in memory care:

Improved Emotional Regulation

Dementia tends to cause frustration, agitation, and added sensitivity in seniors. This can make handling a memory loss diagnosis difficult, as seniors may feel more on edge and ornery than usual. It may be hard to find an activity that your loved one enjoys. Music therapy, through the healing magic of music and vibration, can help seniors in memory care to relax and regulate their emotions. Regular exposure to calming music can improve mood and behavior over time.

Cognitive Stimulation

Music therapy often encourages humming, singing along, moving to the rhythm, and even playing instruments in a group. All of this, combined with the healing power of music, provides seniors with cognitive stimulation in memory care.

Improved Holistic Senior Health

Music therapy improves overall health for seniors by providing a space for social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and providing a sense of purpose. Music evades negative feelings and emotions, making it easy for seniors to enjoy their time and the people around them.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Healthy Eating Options for Alzheimer’s Care

March 29, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

What we eat matters. I know we’ve all heard this, but have you ever stopped to fully consider the impact our food choices have on our body and mind as well? This is especially true for seniors who struggle with memory loss diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia.

How Diet Impacts Dementia

Poor dietary habits such as eating a diet high in saturated fats and processed foods can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disturbances that damage brain cells and negatively impact cognitive function. For seniors with Alzheimer’s, this can greatly exacerbate symptoms of dementia and can make related health issues appear or worsen, such as:

Obesity
Dental concerns
Diabetes
And difficulties sleeping

Adopting a Healthy Diet

If you’re worried about a loved one’s health, introducing them to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can support brain health and overall wellness. Some popular foods that can combat cognitive decline are almonds, dark chocolate, chickpeas, kale, and unsweetened green tea. Making small and simple changes in a senior’s diet can make a huge difference. See how this trusted memory care community in Arvada is supporting senior’s brain health through food:

How Memory Care Supports Brain Health

Certain diets, such as ones that prioritize ingredients known to support brain health by their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, are encouraged at MorningStar’s Memory Care in Arvada. Memory care communities with trained executive chefs produce seasonal menus that feature recipes from our BrainWise program.

BrainWise is developed by world-class chefs who use ingredients known to support brain health through their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Our culinary team is not just to create flavors to delight the eye and palate, but to leverage the phenomenal benefits of “SuperFoods,” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark leafy greens to support brain health.

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Memory Care and Sundowning Solutions

March 27, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Despite the research, there is still a lot that is unknown about Alzheimer’s and dementia. While there have been great strides in available memory care solutions, there is still work that needs to be done to better understand how to treat memory loss. One odd behavior of dementia is “Sundowning.” Seniors with memory impairment often struggle settling in for the night, which may cause them to miss out on necessary sleep. If you are looking for Memory care in Arvada Colorado, consider MorningStar Memory Care for dementia solutions and caretaking.

What is Sundowning?

Sundowning, or sundown syndrome, is primarily observed in those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It causes a state of confusion or restlessness for those with memory impairment diseases in the late afternoon, lasting into the evening. Sundowning can cause seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia to behave more aggressively or showcase more signs of anxiety or pain.

Sundowning, like dementia, is a bit of a phenomenon. Sundowning is not a disease by itself, but an unexplained symptom of Alzheimer’s and dementia. There is no exact cure for sundowning, but there are memory care options that can combat sundowning behaviors.

How to Combat Sundowning

Unlike a regular disease or infection, medication does not necessarily treat dementia or sundowning, but there are things memory care communities can do to help combat sundowning. Maintaining a consistent routine is one of the strongest solutions to help manage sundowning and other negative symptoms of dementia. A consistent routine includes eating balanced meals at the same time each day, completing similar tasks daily, following a schedule, and limiting screen exposure in the evening. Memory care routines encourage stability in seniors with memory impairment, making things feel less disorienting. Steady schedules in turn also promote great sleep and relaxation at the end of the day.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

How Continuity of Care Improves Senior’s Lives in Memory Care

February 19, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

When the time comes to find trusted and reliable memory care, you want to consider the possibility that your loved one’s needs may change drastically over time. Even with preventative treatment, seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s can experience skill degradation, loss of mobility, changes in appetite, and extreme memory loss. For these reasons, it is worth it to consider a continuous care community for your memory care needs.

What are Continuous Senior Care Communities?

Continuous Care Communities, or CCRCs, are senior living communities that are committed to providing a seamless transition of comprehensive care to seniors throughout their lifetime within that community.

Continuous care communities allow residents to age comfortably regardless of their changing health or abilities, without the stress of relocation.

How does a continuous care community benefit memory care?

Continuous care communities, like MorningStar Senior Living Arvada, provide seniors with a stable and supportive environment that enhances their overall well-being, reduces stress, and fosters the growth of positive relationships and friendships.

The familiarity and consistency created by continuous care senior living communities contribute significantly to the positive experiences of seniors in memory care through these ways:

Building Trusted Relationships

Seniors struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia often feel overwhelmed by meeting unfamiliar people. If a senior is constantly relocating due to changing needs, this may be triggering unnecessary issues and causing your loved one to experience more stress and anxiety, hindering any progress while limiting the ability to grow trusted relationships with the people and caretakers around them.

Better Health Monitoring

When a senior stays in one community for an established period, that community has a better chance to fully understand and predict their health needs. When seniors with memory loss conditions relocate frequently, important medical concerns can be lost or overlooked in translation.

Maintaining Structured Routines

Continuous care senior communities take into account the changing needs seniors may have down the line. If your loved one is struggling with memory loss, staying in a familiar environment provides these seniors with the stability and support to maintain structured routines.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Understanding the Benefits of Person-Centered Memory Care Plans

January 24, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Every senior deserves autonomy and should get a say in their healthcare routines. However, input may not be possible for every senior, especially if they struggle with a debilitating memory loss condition like Alzheimer’s or dementia. This makes it difficult to involve every senior in their memory care plan fully. However, MorningStar Memory Care Arvada Colorado may have a solution to this problem.

At MorningStar, seniors deserve a person-centered approach to memory care. This means seniors in our retirement homes receive an empathetic and holistic approach to memory care that improves their quality of life and independence.

What is Person-Centered Memory Care?

A person-centered approach to memory care places seniors at the heart of their care. This new memory care approach provides support for seniors with dementia or other memory-related disorders by emphasizing the unique needs, preferences, and experiences of that person.

Person-centered memory care brings autonomy back to the individual by considering their likes, dislikes, background, personality and abilities. By seeing them as an individual, memory care communities can tailor care to each senior and therefore provide the best care that senior requires.

How to Create Personalized Care Plans?

To create your personalized memory care plan, an assessment needs to be made. When choosing your memory care community, be sure to come prepared with medical information about your loved one like:

Their current diagnosis
Past surgeries
Potential challenges
Medications
Dietary Restrictions

After discussing your loved one’s medical needs, your memory care manager will want to know your loved one on an individual level. They will be curious about their personality and what challenges they are currently facing. Person-centered care aims to provide care that empathetically embraces memory loss and therefore can provide more attuned memory care.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Explore Holistic Memory Care Options for Senior Living

January 22, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to memory care. As our understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia has expanded, so too have our care options. Caring for seniors with memory loss requires a nuanced approach to memory care that looks past debilitating medication or hospitalization if possible. Holistic memory care addresses many other needs of the individual to improve their overall quality of life, making their memory loss symptoms more manageable.

Because of the growing research in Alzheimer’s care, we can now better understand the needs of many seniors struggling with memory loss holistically. Keep reading to better understand the various parts of holistic memory care and what this treatment can offer your aging parent or loved one.

What is Holistic Memory Care?

Holistic memory care refers to an approach to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease care that aims to consider and address the needs of a singular person, not the condition.

This memory care initiative considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the individual with memory loss. This approach recognizes that every individual is unique and that no two memory loss diagnoses affect seniors in the same way. Here are the key components of holistic memory care:

Comprehensive Assessment
Before your loved one moves in, a comprehensive assessment is done by care managers to get a full picture of what level of care your loved one will require and what treatment plans will be most beneficial. This is a collective and cooperative project, as we value and require family and medical input to build a care plan that is best suited to your loved one.
Staff Training
Holistic memory care would be moot if not for properly trained caretakers and staff. Senior living communities that offer holistic memory care should be certain that caregivers and staff are thoroughly trained in dementia care. This means every member of the staff has a focus on providing person-centered care that regularly evaluates the needs of residents to evolve their caregiving methods.
Stimulation and Engagement
Seniors, no matter their health, require social, physical, and cognitive engagement and stimulation. This means senior living communities should be equipped with easily accessible amenities that seniors can enjoy. As well as weekly activities and outings that help seniors feel engaged and excited. Holistic therapies should be regularly utilized, as well as hands-on crafts and community parties.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

How Memory Care Provides Professional Support for Families

January 22, 2024 by Karla A in Memory care

Navigating the challenges of an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be very overwhelming for most families. If you are someone who just found out about their loved one’s new memory loss diagnosis, you are likely feeling emotions of anxiety, grief and uncertainty. What options do you have to provide your loved one with the best senior care possible?

Memory care facilities are specifically designed to provide professional support for seniors aged 55 and up with Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as their families. Here are some of the ways memory care facilities offer professional Alzheimer’s and dementia support:

Benefits and memory care services at MorningStar

By offering a comprehensive range of services and holistic memory care support, MorningStar Senior Living and Memory Care ease the burden on families caring for loved ones with dementia while ensuring the well-being and safety of the individuals in their care.

Specialized Staff and Nursing Options

Families need a senior living community that has specialized memory care staff and on-site nurses available in case of emergencies. Dedicated memory care staff are more empathetic, knowledgeable and understanding to the needs of a senior struggling with dementia. Staff at MorningStar monitors seniors’ health, manages medications and maintains loving relationships throughout the community.

Holistic Therapies and Activities

Seniors in Senior living communities that specialize in memory care have more access to therapeutic activities and group events. Attending music therapy or arranging animal therapies in your home can be costly and overwhelming to organize. Event planners at MorningStar start each week excited to plan new events to boost communication and relaxation.

Nutritional Support

It can be hard for seniors to get adequate nutrition in their homes. Memory care communities at MorningStar provide restaurant-style meals rounded out by an assortment of necessary vitamins and minerals. Care providers at MorningStar ensure residents eat regularly and can monitor any changes in diet or weight.

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Memory Care Arvada: Find Holistic Memory Care

December 13, 2023 by Karla A in Memory care

There is currently no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s. While memory loss is very discouraging for many families, it doesn’t mean that your loved one will lose any enjoyment from life. Things may change, but the change doesn’t have to be negative. Leading senior living centers that specialize in memory care are beginning to redefine what memory care looks like and you might be pleasantly surprised with their success.

MorningStar Memory Care Arvada Co is a uniquely designed assisted living community that offers dementia-focused care through a holistic approach called, “Lavender Sky.”

“Lavender Sky,” is the exploration of a memory loss diagnosis. Embracing Alzheimer’s or dementia, instead of being fearful of it, allows caretakers to expand their knowledge and understanding to better care for residents with a memory loss diagnosis. Under a “Lavender Sky,” we vow to be a leading community for memory care and dementia care. In doing so, we connect more with our residents and provide better, personalized care in an extraordinary way.

Holistic memory care means using comprehensive care methods to thoughtfully “enter, embrace, and explore” the world of dementia. This means we take personality, wants, fears, diet, passions, and healthcare history into account when preparing to care for your loved one. Regardless of the extent of the memory loss, our job is to connect with and nurture our residents as we put our energies toward finding ways to celebrate and elevate life.

As a leading memory care facility dedicated to dementia care, we understand that treating the unique person is more beneficial than treating the illness. Everyone handles their diagnosis differently and each resident requires a different level of care or supervision, but we are dedicated to providing the best holistic memory care Arvada, Colorado has to offer.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Arvada, Co

Popular and Engaging Activities in Memory Care

December 11, 2023 by Karla A in Memory care

Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can still feel bored and unfulfilled, even in the most equipped nursing homes. If you struggle to understand the wants and needs of your loved one struggling with memory loss, finding the best memory care near you may provide much-needed support.

Successful memory care communities utilize popular and engaging activities to promote cognitive function for seniors in memory care that keep them socially active and fulfilled. These activities do not need to be complicated, or expensive. Often, whenever family or friends visit, they enjoy participating in these memory care activities, too.

If a loved one has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you will want the most trusted memory care Arvada offers. MorningStar of Arvada’s distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, holistic memory care designed around the individualized needs of each resident.

Creative, therapeutic activities are one of the most popular memory care activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Music therapy, art therapy, and animal therapy encourage memory care residents to be social and experience a relaxing environment. Music therapy is often utilized to promote a sense of calm and can even help seniors recall memories and feelings they may not have had access to since their diagnosis.

Watching performances of any kind incites excitement for seniors experiencing a memory loss diagnosis. If your loved one enjoyed theatre, reading, watching movies, or going to sports games before experiencing Alzheimer’s, participating in similar activities can still be beneficial for them.

Interactive games like chess or puzzles keep our brains active. This is especially true for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia. At MorningStar, we incorporate many interactive games and activities into our community. Both seniors and their families have fun completing a puzzle or round of chess.

Finding the Right Memory Care in Littleton, Co

Contact our staff today to learn more about MorningStar’s memory care communities in Littleton. We are happy to answer any questions. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision and what sets us apart from other retirement facilities in Colorado. We encourage you to see our exceptional independent living and memory care in Arvada, Colorado.