A Welcoming Community with Style, Amenities, Activities & Heart

MorningStar of Arvada is not just another senior living community. Our differences start with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing generously as we proudly serve those who first served us. We also have a team that is empowered in the MorningStar culture of Radiance, which emphasizes customer service excellence and development of true servant-leadership. These devoted staff members understand the rewards of working with seniors and love the ways in which they learn from them. 

Along with their efforts to enhance quality of life for residents, our community offers a full array of resort-style amenities and activities. These include a wide range of fun and/or meaningful ways to stay engaged each day. From enjoying a movie, complete with popcorn, joining the group during Happy Hour in our Fireside Living Room or flexing your brains in a competitive game in the Club Room, MorningStar of Arvada is the perfect place to comfortably age in place.

All-day, restaurant-style dining means you can follow your own schedule. In addition to our attractive indoor dining room, we have outdoor dining that takes advantage of the beautiful Colorado weather. If your sweet tooth is craving a special treat, head down to our Ice Cream Parlor; or if you want company to enjoy a game and a drink, visit our Sports Bar.  

We also have various options to help keep you physically fit. Our fitness center has a range of machines and weights; or head to the pool for a refreshing workout. Schedule a massage in our Therapy Room to help regain your strength or rejuvenate. Daily fitness classes are both fun and invigorating. 

Our scheduled transportation means it is easy to get to and from important medical appointments. Moreover MorningStar’s weekly group outings include trips to the local malls, parks and other venues. For those looking for a new hobby or continuing to hone their skills, our Art Studio awaits. In other words, throughout the day; meaningful wellness programs, activities and entertainment keep you as busy as you like. For quiet reflection, visit our chapel.

For those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides all-inclusive senior communities Arvada, CO families rely on. As part of our commitment to provide security and safety for our most tender residents, we utilize Safely You technology to help detect and prevent falls for memory care residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence. 

To learn more about our community, we invite you to visit our website to browse through our extensive content regarding MorningStar of Arvada’s suites, amenities and programs. You will find reviews from real residents and their families as well as lots of background on MorningStar Senior Living’s philosophies and mission. If you like what you see, please contact us to set up a personalized tour.

Alzheimer’s Disease – Signs & Risks

Experts explain it is not always easy to recognize Alzheimer’s in the early stages. Some of the first signs of the disease include things that can be passed off as “old age” such as forgetfulness. Many otherwise healthy older adults find their brains are not as sharp as they were when they were younger. Other symptoms may come on so slowly, families are not aware of the changes. In some cases the individual hides the problems or compensates for them so they don’t stand out. 

Doctors say it is important to try and recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s as many of the available treatments work better if taken in the early stages. Talk to your healthcare provider about scheduling the physical and mental tests to help you get a diagnosis. 

Although the outset of symptoms can differ from person to person, it is generally believed one of the early signs is short-term memory. As the disease progresses, individuals forget conversations, repeat themselves and start to ask the same questions over and over. Eventually long-term memories start to erode. 

Disorientation often follows with a person having a hard time figuring out time and space. They may think it is time to go even though they just got somewhere, or think they are hungry after they have just eaten. The person may not have a firm grasp on spatial surroundings and not be sure where they are. Lapses in judgement and a hard time making decisions increase their confusion.  

As Alzheimer’s advances, the person experiences more and more difficulty functioning within their daily life. Communication is harder and the person can become moody, withdrawn or depressed. 

Risk factors for Alzheimer’s include family history, age and gender. Most cases of Alzheimer’s occur after age 65 and affect more women than men. Having a parent or sibling with the disease doubles the person’s risk. A gene identified as apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has three variants: E2, E3, and E4. It is the E4 variant that scientists believe plays a role in the faulty clearing of beta-amyloid deposits from the brain. 

Studies also suggest many of the same factors that harm the heart such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes as well as smoking, being depressed or hearing loss can increase your risk.  Talk to your doctor about any warning signs you may have or the impact of your risk factors. 

MorningStar of Arvada senior communities offers independent living and assisted living facilities with senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and activities. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides memory care Arvada, CO families trust for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related disease within an intimate, supportive and loving environment. Contact us to learn more about our community and set up a personalized tour to see firsthand what the best retirement communities look like. 

Warning Signs of Glaucoma

Statistics show glaucoma is the 2nd leading cause of blindness worldwide, and it is important to know in the early stages, there are usually no symptoms. This is why Medicare says half of the people who have the disease do not know they have it. 

The best way for someone to know if they have glaucoma is to get screened for it through a dilated eye exam with visual field testing. For seniors on Medicare, the program covers one glaucoma screening each year for individuals at high risk. 

The National Eye Institute wants the public to know early treatment of the disease can stop the damage and protect your eyes from serious vision loss. People most at risk for glaucoma include those with diabetes, a family history, African-Americans over the age of 50 and Hispanics age 65 or older. 

As stated earlier, glaucoma in the first stages does not generally exhibit symptoms for most people. Later on, symptoms include the loss of side (peripheral) vision and blind spots, and without treatment blindness. Since symptoms start so slowly, many people do not notice the change to their vision. 

The cause of glaucoma is not known but it is linked to high pressure in the eyes; and one treatment is to lower the eye pressure through medication. While one or both eyes can be affected, some people with high eye pressure do not have glaucoma. There are several different types of the disease with open-angle glaucoma being the most common in the United States. Treatments include eye drops, lasers and surgery. 

The National Eye Institute recommends getting a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you are over the age 60 or at a higher risk for glaucoma. Many at high risk including those with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated eye exam at least once a year. 

MorningStar of Arvada has proudly earned a reputation as one of the finest senior living communities for independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families count on. Unlike other senior communities, we believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and it is our privilege to now serve those who first served us. Please ask about our Memory Care Special: Move in by January 31 & March is Rent Free.

RA Fatigue can be one of the Disease’s Most Debilitating Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a broad range of symptoms including joint inflammation and swelling as well as pain primarily in the hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Another common symptom is fatigued with seven out of ten patients saying they experience a lack of sleep and feelings of fatigue.

Doctors say there are several reasons why people with RA suffer from drowsiness and weakness. One of the main causes is a direct result of the inflammation that disrupts normal bodily functions. Another commonly cited reason reported by patients is a hard time sleeping through the night given the pain and discomfort they feel. 

The fatigue related to RA makes it hard to catch up on sleep. Without adequate sleep, people can suffer from a lack of concentration, making it harder to maintain an active lifestyle. Fatigue can also cause irritability and be associated with depression.

However it is important to know that even though fatigue is common, doctors say if your symptoms worsen and/or you have a fever, persistent joint pain or unexplained weight loss, contact your healthcare provider. Experts say this can be a sign of disease progression or medical complications and require immediate attention. 

People with RA can help manage fatigue by eating a healthy diet and engaging in low-impact exercises. Practicing good sleep habits like adhering to a regular bedtime and avoiding alcohol and caffeine several hours beforehand can additionally help. There is some data suggesting limiting TV or your exposure to devices emitting blue light a few hours before bedtime can help you sleep better. 

Along with adopting good lifestyle habits, talk to your healthcare provider about medications to help reduce pain. Other strategies include learning relaxing techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness and building a strong support network to reduce stress. 

MorningStar of Arvada is a vibrant senior communities offering built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, all-day dining and programs to enhance quality of life. Our stylish suites are available in various floorplans and configurations for plenty of choices. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, holistic memory care designed around individualized needs in an intimate, supportive and loving environment. Contact us to learn more about independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families trust.