“It was 2003. I had a dream to start a senior housing company that was defined by the human touch, where love and goodness reigned in every corner—a true home that was resident-centered, where all decisions have, at their core, our residents.

“I had been searching for a company name for months. Nothing seemed quite right. I wanted something that was alive, comforting, but offered a powerful, guiding force. Most importantly, a name that spoke to the passion I have for bringing loving care to seniors.

“Then one day, while reading the Bible, that name—MorningStar—appeared to me while reading the following verse:

“Jesus said, ‘I am the root and the offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star.’” (Revelation 22:16)

So named, MorningStar’s mission statements flowed naturally:

• Honor God in our business practices and relationships
• Value all seniors as gifted, contributing individuals
• Invest generously in our employees’ ability to serve well

As we grow, what will keep MorningStar true to its mission? Building the right infrastructure at the right time. Putting the right people in key roles. Staying focused on what really matters. On the inspiration behind our name.

WellStar is MorningStar’s signature wellness program. The charge of our Wellness and Life Enrichment Teams is to present residents with creative ways to stay active and productive for man’s good and God’s glory.

At MorningStar, each day is filled with opportunities to ignite a plan that enhances health and wellness. Our activities integrate different modalities and senses to feed the whole body and brain. The result? Reduced pain. Less reliance on medication. A marked difference in mood and physical well being.

Below are examples of WellStar at work in our homes.

Physical Wellness:
We have fitness and movement opportunities every day, sometime indoors, sometimes under blue skies. In true Rockies style, we have a Flat Fourteeners Club where residents come together to walk the neighboring paths.

We created Wish Upon A Star to enable residents to live out their dreams—for to live is to hope and dream. For one resident, a quadriplegic who was once a competitive swimmer, that dream was to swim again. Her MorningStar team helped make it happen.

Spiritual Wellness:
Our lovely chapel is open to all faiths for prayer and meditation, with a non-denomination service held every Sunday. Devotionals, Bible study, hymn singing and group prayer are held during the week. Communion is shared monthly.

Intellectual Wellness:
For our S.T.A.R. speaker series, we provide regular presentations for inspirational, educational and interactive topics about life and issues, sometimes led our own residents. We also host My Memories, where residents are invited to reminisce about their lives, loves and triumphs.

Our residents, including those with dementia, especially enjoy educational games that work their brains. One 100-year-old resident is known as our Trivial Pursuit queen.

Social Wellness:
Everything we do in a MorningStar day is social. Activities. Exercise. Meals. Especially eating! Dining at MorningStar is a special occasion every day, thanks to our Certified Executive Chefs and the wonders they create to tempt us.

We encourage residents to use their own special talents and personality to enrich our community. One community boasts a Resident Choir who perform on occasion for the entire community. We’re known to gather around the piano for sing-alongs. And, of course, we celebrate seasonal holidays as a community of family.

Sometimes we hit the road in the MorningStar bus and head for a new movie release, special interest destinations, swimming at the rec center, or scenic drives. Shopping excursions are even more often

All this comes with the reward of not just relationships, but accountability (you are truly missed if ever you don’t show up).

WellStar is enhanced further by our Life Enrichment partners:

Active Minds
Adjunct professors, graduate students and other enthused teachers are brought in through Active Minds, a popular organization in Metro Denver serving seniors wherever they may live. MorningStar is proud to be Active Mind’s premier sponsor partner, furthering their mission to bring stimulating lectures on wide-ranging topics to seniors, both under our own roof and at gathering places around town.

S.A.G.E. (Seniors Aging Gracefully with Exercise)
Offering one-on-one training for functional fitness, both physical and social.

Bessie’s Hope
To build our corps of volunteers, we turn to organizations such as Bessie’s Hope, a non-profit group that trains people of all ages to work with seniors during interactive group visits. We love the inter-generational relationships that form through this outreach.

A Wiser Mind
A group of licensed clinicians, A Wiser Mind offers therapy to residents and their families, including brain activation.

It’s all on our calendar. Every day. Fun and healthy reasons to step out your door and join in.

Of course, true wellness is ultimately found, not in programming, but in the human touch. Touching reminds us we’re still here. It’s the antidote to loneliness—for all of us.

“MorningStar is different, beyond any other experience I’ve had in senior living. From the heart of our founder trickles down the freedom to truly love our residents. To look someone in the eye and assure them they’re right where they’re supposed to be. To hold their hand or give them a hug. That’s why I love serving at MorningStar.” (Nikki, Life Enrichment Coordinator)

To help you decide whether the time is right for Senior Living, particularly Assisted Living, we offer this decision guide.

Retirement options are brighter and wider than ever before in history. (See Senior Living Terms.) Yet all those choices can sometimes just lead to confusion. So our first advice is to clearly identify what you’re trying to solve, with an eye not just to next year, but to the next 5-10 years.

Assisted Living is a relatively new idea. In the late 1990s, our culture realized that the town “nursing home” was often a dour choice. Institutional. Depressing. No real home at all.

We also realized many seniors didn’t require a nurse, just a little help with daily living. And as our nation’s treasures, they certainly deserved not just to survive, but thrive amid fine dining, libraries, fitness centers and creative programs. Built on a European social model, Assisted Living is a new paradigm in wellness and engagement.

How do I know it’s time to move to Assisted Living?
Simply said, when the transition will ease the stress of either the senior’s life or the family caregiver’s.

Assisted Living is the best choice if your parent or spouse needs more personal care than he/she can get (or afford) in the home or in an Independent Living community, yet doesn’t need 24-hour medical care and supervision. Consider these further determinants:

Safety
Have there been any recent falls?
Driving mishaps?
Bruises or cuts he/she doesn’t want you to notice?
Prone to wander?
Leaving the stovetop on?

Health
Struggling with failing eyesight?
Poor balance?
Forgetfulness?

Hygiene
Wearing the same clothes day after day?
Struggling with personal bathing and toileting?

Housekeeping
Dishes not getting washed?
Home looking less tidy and more cluttered?
Unopened mail accumulating?

Dietary
Losing weight?
Spoiled or no food in the refrigerator?
Unable to get to the grocery store?

Social
Calling/seeing friends infrequently?
Alone more often than not?
No longer attending church or other regular social activities?

Is it Alzheimer’s?
Changes in cognitive abilities, executive function, and behavior could signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. However, some of these same symptoms are also indicative of other forms of dementia. While only a neurologist can diagnosis Alzheimer’s, the following could be warning signs:

• Difficulty with familiar tasks
• Slipping job performance
• Language difficulties
• Confusion of place and time
• Lack of judgment
• Trouble with abstract thinking
• Misplacing and hiding objects
• Mood fluctuations
• Changes in personality
• Lack of initiative

Starting the Conversation
Pick a time and place that’s relaxed. Gather important family members. Then start slow. This is not a once-for-all conversation; it often comes in stages. Still, you might be surprised. Perhaps your loved one has been thinking about this very thing for some time. Don’t forget to include the benefits in your discussion.

For as much as we all resist change, we know from near-continuous experience, that change also brings invigorating new relationships, joys and adventure. The structure and society offered in Assisted Living communities can bring a return of healthy routines and healthier lives.

Monthly Expense Comparison (.pdf form to download)
(This needs to be formatted as a checklist with two column headers (Current Home and MorningStar); all the blank lines under MS should read “included

Compare your current cost of living to the value of MorningStar

Mortgage/Rent
Property Tax/Home Insurance
Meals/Snacks & Refreshments
Real Estate Taxes
Utilities (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, cable, internet)
Housekeeping
Laundry, Personal and Linens
Yard Maintenance
24-Hour Emergency Call Service
24-hour Care Staff
Leisure Activities
Health Monitoring Programs
Fitness Programs
Home Maintenance/Repairs
Transportation (insurance, gas, repairs)

Total Monthly Costs

Finding Candidates
Ah, Google. There you will find more choices than you can imagine. Too many, really. So first narrow the field geographically, then by type of community (55+, CCRC, IL, AL, MC, SNF). Limit yourself to 3-4 candidates.

Touring
The adult child (or healthier spouse) is typically given the initial legwork. Tour no more than two communities in a day (or risk becoming overwhelmed).

On an initial tour, expect a lot of details. Take notes. But try to focus on the overall ambiance also. Begin to weigh value against cost.

If you like what you see and hear, return to your top two with your loved one for a more social tour. Revisit your preferred choices at different times of day on different days of the week.

Consider a trial stay to take Senior Living “for a spin and see how it feels.”

Compare & Contrast Senior Living Communities
(This needs to be formatted as a checklist with columns and blank lines; with MorningStar as one column)

In comparing one community to the next, consider these factors:
Age of building
Local or national owner/manager
Large, medium or small company (how many total properties?)
Your budget
Publicly or privately-owned company
Size of the facility itself
Has a Certified Executive Chef
Menu: varied, appealing, healthy
Common Areas (dining room, library, bistro, etc.)
Private Dining Room (for small parties)
Amenities
Friendliness and competence of staff
Wellness program (social, physical, spiritual, intellectual)

What’s included in the suite rental (housekeeping, maintenance, concierge and scheduled group transportation?
Does it feel like home?
Particular questions ________
Particular likes ________
Particular dislikes ________

Talk it Up
Speak with friends about Senior Living to glean from their experience and advice. Consult with trusted advisors: physician, attorney, stockbroker, pastor, in-home health providers and others who have already guided you through major life decisions.

Who Should Make the Decision?
This often comes down to a consensus among several family members. The senior him or herself, even if suffering from dementia, must be given a voice.

Afterall, we’re talking about their new home. Their new adventure. Yes, they may be losing some capabilities, but our human spirit craves dignity, independence and choice.

When It’s All Said and Done
In the end, don’t let the complexities of this decision mask the fact that your instincts are to be trusted. One place will just feel like home. And the staff will feel like family. You’ll know it straight away.

We hope that one place is MorningStar

Welcome to MorningStar

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