Have You Noticed Memory Issues in a Loved One?

It is worrisome to notice changes in a spouse, parent or another loved one’s health. If those changes involve the person’s memory, thinking or behavior, it can be hard to know what to say or do. The Alzheimer’s Association explains while you may be unsure on how to best approach the issue, these changes could be a sign of a significant health concern. They offer the following advice on how to sort through the changes. 

The first thing is to think about what is causing your concern and how out of the norm is it for the person? Then consider what else may be going on in the person’s life such as changes in their physical health or other stress factors that could impact their mental state. Remember depression and diabetes can cause changes in a person’s mental acuity. 

Now take a look at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases. Do these common signs seem to be in line with the type of things you are worrying about? If they do, you may want to enlist some help from other trusted family members or friends.

Start by asking them if they too have noticed any changes in the person’s behavior. If there is an agreement on something being amiss, experts say it is best if one or two people are selected for the task of discussing the problem with the person as a crowd may be too threatening.

Good conversation starters can be something like, “I have noticed some changes in you, is everything okay?,” or use a specific example of something troubling you have noticed the person doing. Offer to go to the doctor with the person; and if the first talk is not productive, try again. Keep in mind, the Alzheimer’s Association’s website has a lot of resources and support so take advantage of the help.

Along with assisted living, MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial, CO offers compassionate memory care for those in the early onset of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases right through to the most advanced stages.  Every aspect of our Reflections Neighborhood is geared toward residents’ care from meaningful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

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 homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO.

MorningStar at Jordan’s Residents Enjoy a Five-Star Dining Experience

A move to senior living can mean a lot of changes for a person. Our job at MorningStar at Jordan in Centennial, CO is to make sure that experience is full of positive changes. One of the things we feel showcases our home is an outstanding food service, which is under the direction of our own Executive Chef.  

As an assisted living resident, you will be treated to a variety of seasonal menus featuring the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced whenever possible. You will also enjoy all-day, restaurant-style dining in our beautifully designed, relaxing dining rooms. For those times you wish to have an intimate dinner with friends or family, go ahead and reserve our private dining room. 

Our Chef is specifically trained in culinary skills and menu creations that appeal to seniors and knows how to modify recipes to accommodate food sensitivities and allergies as well as changing needs. A variety of nutritional choices allow residents to self-manage dietary habits and restrictions and include low sodium, gluten free, sugar free, no sugar added and low-fat options.  We also use ingredients with high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds known to support brain health and aptly named “Super Foods.”  These include items like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. 

Along with five-star dining, other amenities include a general store, library, fitness and wellness center, and a full-service salon.  We also offer a bistro, as well as a theatre, chapel, fireside patio and more. And when you need to see your doctor or run an errand, we have scheduled transportation.  

While under our roof, residents have the opportunity to meet new friends and join a variety of programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social well-being.  You will also have a team of dedicated, compassionate caregivers with a felt calling to serve who will go out of their way to meet your needs, even your unexpressed ones.  Please visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other senior living communities and why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.  

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about one of the area’s finest senior living communities.

Caring for a Loved One Living With Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia don’t have to give up the activities they love. Rather they suggest the better option is to modify the activity to better fit their skill set and current ability. 

However, even in the early stages of the disease, many withdraw from the activities they used to enjoy but experts say it is important to help them stay engaged. A modification can be as simple as reducing the number of people the person socializes with at a time. Smaller groups are less intimidating and reduce confusion. Also, it helps to let the person’s other family members and friends know about the diagnosis.   

As the disease progresses, other changes will likely be in order. If you notice an activity seems to make them restless or irritable, either modify so it brings them happiness or stop it altogether. For instance, while a person’s skills may decline, someone who plays the piano may still enjoy playing the simple pieces they learned years ago.

Dementia care specialists say setting up a daily routine is important and should include the things they like to do on their own such as setting the table or folding laundry and be done when the person seems to function the best. Remember to be flexible and include a range of creative, physical, social and spiritual activities that bring meaning and enjoyment into their life.   

Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Boulder offers specialized care to individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our secure and loving Reflections Neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required.  

MorningStar’s compassionate caregivers use gentle, resident-directed methods to calm and awaken memories and to support each resident’s capabilities.  Common techniques include using multi-sensory cues such as aromatherapy as well as a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that incorporate art, dance, music, exercise and life skills. For trusted memory care or assisted living Boulder, CO seniors and their families can count on, please contact us for more information.

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 the finest memory care and assisted living Boulder, CO offers.
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Source: alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan