Our Specialized Memory Care Community Opens Soon

If a loved one has Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you may be at the point where they need more care than they can get living at home in order to ensure their safety and well-being. We know you will want the finest memory care available, which is why we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar at San Tomas, a community dedicated to caring for individuals with memory impairment diseases. 

Our luxury community offers a choice of 42 studio or companion suites within our two-story community as well as inviting common areas throughout each floor. Each level offers a dining room, life enrichment room and community living room. Other amenities include a sky terrace on the second level, fitness center, salon and more.   

MorningStar’s Memory Care is guided by Lavender Sky, our proprietary signature program; and all of our dementia care specialists complete thorough training to help residents and their families navigate this challenging journey with love. Our daily routine is personalized based on the results of a query with the resident and their family called “To Know Me is To Love Me,” and is adapted to the person’s mood or situation. Activities include listening or dancing to music, physical exercise, arts and crafts, and celebrating special events.

While our new community is scheduled to open this spring, MorningStar has senior living communities across the Western US including several in CA. Our company was started in 2003 based on the idea of “casting a new light” on senior living by Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, who wished to establish his own brand of senior living rooted in Judeo-Christian principles. Thus we honor all spiritual preferences as part of caring for the whole person and strive each day to meet residents’ social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. 

Call us to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and use our “a closer look” tab to take a virtual tour of MorningStar at San Tomas. Visit our website for details regarding exclusive savings for early depositors.

DU Families are Excited to Welcome a MorningStar Senior Living Community

Since we started constructing the new MorningStar at Observatory Park, area families have reached out to us to express their enthusiasm for a senior living community of MorningStar’s caliber joining the neighborhood. No doubt this comes from MorningStar’s reputation in the greater Denver area for compassionate senior care in a beautiful high-end residential environment. 

MorningStar at Observatory Park is located in the popular South Denver neighborhood and scheduled to open in spring of 2023. Our exceptional senior living community offers assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays (from one week to a full month). Along with comprehensive senior care and hospitality services, residents are offered a 5-Star dining service, luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities designed to enhance quality of life.

While we have not yet opened to residents, we would like to share some first-hand impressions regarding MorningStar and our brand. One reviewer of the new MorningStar at Observatory Park writes, “I am impressed and it is not something I often say about a person or a place. MorningStar facilities are beautiful. My first career was in Long Term care facilities and they were nothing like MorningStar. The facilities are beautiful and well-staffed.”   

Another woman took the time to write about our Observatory Park location to say, “I am excited to see a MorningStar community in this area of Denver. All of the staff I've met are so kind-hearted and genuine. I know that loved ones will be in great care here.” 

We also heard from a neighborhood gentleman who wrote, “I just discovered this building driving by. Wow it looks stunning and what a location so close to DU! I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was a senior living community, and as I am in the process of looking for my parents, this will be on the list!”

MorningStar’s high-end residential communities offer an environment distinguished by comfort, wellness and love and strive to provide residents with a quality of life unmatched by other senior living communities. Please visit our website to reserve your select suite today and be sure to ask about savings for early depositors. 

The Highest Risk Factor for a Fall is a Previous Fall

Many of us have heard about or know a senior who has had a fall that led to a serious injury. Each year statistics report one out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury; and approximately 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury. Annually, falls result in 32,000 senior deaths. 

The Harvard Medical School reports the highest risk factor for a fall is a previous fall. While a senior may have fallen or tripped and not thought much about it, as they only twisted an ankle or didn’t sustain a serious injury, the event may be a precursor to another fall. 

There are things seniors can do to protect themselves from a fall and it starts by being aware of any risk factors you may have including vision and hearing problems, which can make a fall more likely. Experts say stiff joints can hamper your gait and balance and make it easier to fall, as do certain medications for blood pressure and antihistamines. As a deficiency in vitamin D decreases a person’s bone mineral density and strength of the bones, it too can cause instability and raise the risk for a fall. Experts report even something as unrelated as a head cold or the flu can cause dizziness and increase your risk.  

To help boost core strength and improve balance, talk to your healthcare provider about the best type of exercises to do. Other steps to decrease the likelihood of a fall are to keep moving to loosen stiff joints and help build strength, wear sensible shoes and remove home hazards. Finally make sure your home has plenty of good lighting.  

MorningStar of San Jose is one of MorningStar’s newest senior living communities offering our unique brand of assisted living with all the services, amenities, and wellness programs needed to enhance quality of life for our residents. In addition, we provide holistic memory care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We open in the spring of 2023 and are happy to help you reserve your select suite today. Please ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about exceptional assisted living and memory care in San Jose.

One of Denver’s Finest Retirement Communities Opens this Winter

MorningStar at Observatory Park is preparing to open to residents at the end of the year. Our new community is a prime example of MorningStar’s commitment to building retirement communities in fast-growing regions like Denver to address the expanding need for quality senior living. The South Denver’s historic DU neighborhood was carefully chosen to meet the desire of seniors who wish to stay in their neighborhood, close to family and friends and the many attractions they have come to enjoy.  

While we are still under construction and obviously cannot offer in-person tours, we do offer a beautifully-rendered, 360° virtual tour on our website. The “tour” provides an up-close look at our community’s common rooms and attractive décor throughout. Right from the moment you walk through the front door, you will encounter the welcoming presence of our attractive foyer and bistro. Our virtual tour also includes a good look at the second floor, which is where our Reflections Neighborhood will provide memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

Our website also shares some personal information regarding our Senior Executive Director, Cheryl Davis and Rebecca Gonzales, our Director of Community Relations. Ms. Davis explains how MorningStar is committed to a culture that not only serves, but leads with kindness, honesty, love and humility. She says this culture extends to the team members they are hiring who radiate these qualities, and who look forward to building genuine, loving relationships with our residents, their families and fellow team members. 

Our contemporary 5-story building offers 60 assisted living suites in a variety of smartly-designed configurations and floorplans. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides 23 suites along with the safety, security, people and programs to help preserve residents’ dignity and self-worth. Please call to schedule an appointment, and ask about our Move-in Specials at one of Denver’s finest senior living communities.

A Community Designed for Comfort, Wellness & Security

The new MorningStar of San Jose assisted living and memory care community is a high-end residential environment designed around the diverse needs of older adults. From a choice of smartly-designed floor plans to luxury amenities and relaxing, inviting common areas, residents can truly enjoy their retirement years. 

Our new community is currently under-development in partnership with Swenson, a Northern California company with four generations of expertise in proven Design-Develop-Build platforms. MorningStar’s Founder/CEO, Ken Jaeger, states, “We continue to establish the MorningStar brand in fast-growing regions like San Jose in step with the expanding need for quality senior living.” He adds, we are responsive to the desire of seniors who wish to stay in their neighborhood, close to family and friends and the attractions they have come to enjoy.

Our contemporary-styled suites are designed for comfort and privacy and equipped with kitchenettes; handicapped-accessible bathrooms; emergency call systems; and private heating and air conditioning. Smart floor plans, large windows to let in lots of natural light and high-end finishes ensure you will be proud to call it your own. Throughout our community, state-of-the-art designs feature a rooftop terrace spanning over 10,000 square feet, subterranean parking, bistro, salon, theater, courtyard, and fitness center. 

MorningStar of San Jose’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Accommodating residents over the age of 55 years old, we are a fully-licensed Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) regulated by the State of California. 

Contact us to learn more about pricing and availability at the area’s most trusted assisted living and memory care in San Jose and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors with our Move-in Specials. We open to residents in the spring of 2023 and look forward to welcoming you to our MorningStar family.

Don’t Let Misconceptions Keep You from Creating a Living Will

Many times people put off creating a living will, also known as a health care power of attorney, because they don’t understand how important it is to have one; or they fear they are giving up too much control over their life. The medical community explains the reason you need one is to ensure you get the type of care you want when you can no longer speak for yourself.

The Harvard Medical Schools says before you create a living will there are a few things to consider including separating fact from fiction. To start with, think about what quality of life means to you. Sometimes having extraordinary measures taken to save your life doesn’t factor in where such treatments will leave you. Having a living will can help guide your medical team on just such decisions.

Some people worry if they choose to refuse certain life-sustaining medical treatments to prolong life even when death is inevitable that it will invalidate their life insurance policy. Medical professionals explain there is no reason to worry as the recorded cause of death will be from the person’s underlying medication condition. Another common concern is if medical treatment is started, it can’t be stopped. This too is not true as treatment plans can always be updated and revised to address current circumstances.   

Medical professionals want patients to know treatment can be started or stopped. Even if you refuse certain life sustaining treatments, it does not mean you won’t get other types of treatment such as intensive comfort care to help manage pain and symptoms. 

Seniors especially should be aware that a recent new directive has pretty much replaced a DNR (do not resuscitate), which only gives EMS permission to not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A POLST (physician orders for life-sustaining treatment) can include a DNR as well as provide more instruction regarding medical interventions such as intubation, antibiotic use and feeding tubes. Talk to your medical provider to learn more. 

MorningStar of San Jose’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care San Jose offers and ask about exclusive savings for early depositors. We expect to open to residents in spring of 2023. 

Moving Forward After a Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

When a person is told they have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, it is extremely difficult not only for the individual but the entire family. As it generally comes after the person as well as their family and friends have noticed a marked change in the individual, it is tough to hear but not always a huge surprise. Now the question becomes “what next?”

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers families guidance with a list of helpful informative and supportive resources including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Check if they have local chapters where you can get in-person support, meet others in your same situation, and get involved in fundraising activities. You can additionally reach out to local community centers and hospitals to find out if they have Alzheimer’s educational programs. 

NIA reminds families to keep up with regular medical checkups as they are important for a person with Alzheimer’s and should include their primary healthcare provider and specialists such as a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and geriatric psychiatrist. Also ask your medical team if there is a memory disorder clinic nearby. 

Another suggestion is to plan ahead both financially and for long-term care while the person can still have some valuable input. Finally, experts say to make sure you get the proper help to ensure the person’s wellbeing and safety. 

MorningStar Senior Living has 40+ communities operating or under construction throughout the Western U.S. including MorningStar of San Jose which is scheduled to open in June 2023. At MorningStar, we know something about the pain and devastation families go through with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our Reflections Neighborhood will be staffed by a dedicated, compassionate team and provide a safe, loving home for seniors suffering from dementia.  If you are looking for trusted assisted living or memory care in San Jose, please visit our website for more information.

At MorningStar of San Jose, our mission statement “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, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Source: nia.nih.gov/health/next-steps-after-alzheimers-diagnosis

Nutrient-Rich Diet is More Important than Ever for Seniors

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult.  Therefore, the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is important, and even today, many seniors have an “inadequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, calcium, and niacin.”   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier.  They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road.  Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.  It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of San Jose, scheduled to open next June, we will offer residents daily meals that are chocked full of the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced when possible.  Our delicious meals will be prepared largely from scratch and take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions.  We will offer a range of choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat that allows our residents to self-manage.  MorningStar’s food service will be overseen by our own Executive Chef, who will welcome resident feedback and tailor menus per their suggestions.  

MorningStar of San Jose’s stylish suites come in a range of floor plans and are equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  Community amenities include underground parking, a fitness center, bistro, theater, salon, sky terrace, and more. In addition, we will offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. For more information about assisted living facilities, please visit our website. 

At MorningStar of San Jose, our mission statement “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, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-weight-in-diabetes-which-diets-are-most-effective