MorningStar At Mountain Shadows
Save5355 Centennial Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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Morning Star at Mountain Shadows seems to be a place that many families are eager to commend, and the collective voice across several accounts is that this community lives near to its mission every day. One family described moving a parent into memory care here on October 8th after researching multiple facilities, and they immediately felt they had found something distinctly alive and engaging. Across their visits and ongoing conversations with residents, families, and staff, the sense was clear: this is not a place where people come to wait out their days, but a place where days are filled with meaningful activity, genuine connection, and a welcoming energy that resonates with visitors as soon as they walk in.
A standout feature across multiple reviews is the staff's level of involvement and warmth. The Executive Director, Allison Eckert, is repeatedly acknowledged for her visibility and engagement. What truly impressed families was the openness with staff communication - several team members freely provided their cell phone numbers and encouraged ongoing contact. The Care Coordination team, led by Allison Kerr, along with Toni, Caley, Melody, Haley, Katelyn, Sandra, Silke, and others, is repeatedly praised for their patience, kindness, and infectious joy. Family members describe them as a steady, comforting presence at every step of the transition, making the adjustment from home to a memory care environment feel smoother and supported for both residents and their loved ones.
The stories of transition and ongoing care emphasize a culture of accessibility and partnership. Families note that the care coordination team radiates a "can-do" attitude and a genuine willingness to help navigate the daily realities of moving a loved one into care. In this regard, the team is not just performing duties; they are actively minimizing stress for families and creating a sense of continuity and security for residents. The impression is that Morning Star's leadership sets a tone of involvement and accountability that radiates through the entire staff, fostering trust and reassurance for families during what can be a deeply challenging time.
Beyond staff, the reviews highlight a robust program of activities and a living environment designed to feel like home. Dining experiences are especially praised. Residents and their families describe meals as flavorful, well presented, and consistently meeting or exceeding expectations - so much so that several people observed there were hardly any repeats over many months. The dining experience is enhanced by the chef's attentiveness to individual likes and dislikes, which helps residents feel known and valued. The facility offers a dining room that feels spacious and inviting, a private dining room available for family events, and even overnight accommodations for visiting relatives. There's a 24/7 snack bar with treats and a distinctive orange-infused iced water dispenser, which adds small but meaningful comforts that residents and guests notice and appreciate. The ambiance is further enriched by an on-site movie theater, a barbecue-friendly patio with mountain views, and a general sense that the home is both beautiful and thoughtfully designed to be welcoming and functional.
Health and wellness services receive frequent praise as well. Reviews mention weekly input from primary care physicians, with the possibility of medication orders and refills being coordinated through the physician's pharmacy. The facility's on-site physical therapy, guided by a Wellness Director and an RN, is presented as a core strength. The availability of 24/7 care through accessible call buttons or emergency pendants reinforces a sense of security and prompt response for residents. When combined with the well-curated social calendar and the ability for family members to participate in activities, these elements create a picture of a community that strives to balance independence with supportive care.
The location itself is described as an incredible and scenic setting, facing the foothills and Mountain Shadows, with thoughtful touches like a circular driveway, a heated indoor porch for cold days, and rocking chairs on the outdoor porch. Several reviewers specifically mention the presence of a "Welcome Ambassador" program, highlighting how a staff member like Carol reaches out to new residents to explain the community, invite them to lunch, and get them involved in activities. Amber, the Director of Community Relations, is cited as a key point of contact who ensures families feel welcome and empowered to participate in the life of the community. The end result is a sense of family and belonging that reviewers repeatedly describe as transformative for both residents and families.
While the consensus leans strongly positive - emphasizing life, energy, and a caring team - one review presents a starkly different perspective. In this account, the reviewer recounts serious concerns and alleges significant lapses in care that impacted a loved one's health and end-of-life experience. The author asserts that covid protocols were not consistently enforced, that there were claims of a morphine injection for a husband who could no longer swallow pills, and that an untreated wound went unreported while the patient's condition deteriorated. They describe a sense of neglect, with claims that the patient was left alone in bed and that physical therapy was pushed primarily for insurance reasons rather than for genuine patient benefit. The reviewer states that there was an unaddressed wound and questions surrounding the sequence of events that led to a death, concluding that apologies were not forthcoming. This account is presented as a personal, painful narrative and is clearly intended to caution other families about potential risks. It's important to note that these are allegations from a single reviewer and are not presented as a consensus view; they stand in contrast to the numerous positive experiences described elsewhere.
Taken together, the collection of reviews paints a nuanced portrait of Morning Star at Mountain Shadows. The overwhelmingly positive testimonials emphasize a vibrant, life-filled community where residents are engaged in a wide range of activities, supported by a deeply committed staff and leadership team. Families repeatedly say they feel welcomed, heard, and involved in their loved one's daily life, with food that rivals dining room experiences and facilities that blend comfort with practical, high-quality care. The facility's emphasis on accessibility, family participation, and a strong culture of care stands out as a core strength.
At the same time, the alternative account serves as a reminder that personal outcomes can vary, and that serious concerns - if they arise - deserve careful, independent review and transparent dialogue with the facility. Prospective families are encouraged to visit in person, meet with care coordinators and leadership, and speak with current residents and their families to gain a full, first-hand sense of what Morning Star can offer. The community's own emphasis on communication, welcoming spirits, and active engagement in daily life is a compelling draw, but as with any senior living decision, it should be weighed against any individual experiences or concerns that surface through direct conversations and visits. In the end, Morning Star at Mountain Shadows presents a picture of a place where life is actively lived, relationships are nurtured, and care is delivered with a level of warmth that many families find deeply meaningful.
MorningStar At Mountain Shadows in Colorado Springs, CO is an exceptional assisted living community specializing in memory care. We offer a wide range of amenities and care services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with memory loss conditions. Our residents enjoy the convenience and comfort of a fully furnished living space with private bathrooms, cable or satellite TV, and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet.
We prioritize the well-being of our residents by providing 24-hour call system, 24-hour supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. Our dedicated staff coordinates with healthcare providers to ensure that each resident receives the necessary medical attention they require. Medication management is also available for added peace of mind.
At MorningStar At Mountain Shadows, we understand the importance of maintaining mental wellness. That's why we offer specialized memory care programming and a mental wellness program to stimulate cognitive function and promote social engagement among our residents. Our on-site fitness room and wellness center provide opportunities for physical activity and overall well-being.
Meals at our community are prepared according to individual dietary restrictions, ensuring that each resident receives proper nutrition while enjoying restaurant-style dining experiences. In addition to daily activities scheduled by our staff, residents can participate in resident-run activities and planned day trips to various local attractions.
Our prime location offers convenient access to numerous cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation options, places of worship, and hospitals nearby. MorningStar At Mountain Shadows aims to create a warm and inviting environment where seniors with memory loss can feel safe, cared for, and engaged in meaningful experiences every day.
MorningStar At Mountain Shadows is located at 5355 Centennial Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 in El Paso County, Colorado
The features offered by MorningStar At Mountain Shadows are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, ensuring a supportive and structured environment. The 24-hour supervision provides constant care and security, which is essential for individuals who may experience confusion or disorientation. Assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and transfers, offers residents the help they need to maintain their dignity while promoting independence as much as possible. Coordination with healthcare providers ensures that each resident's medical needs are met effectively, while the dementia waiver allows for tailored care approaches based on individual circumstances. Meal preparation and service cater to dietary requirements, fostering nutritional health. Medication management is crucial in preventing complications related to medication adherence, and the mental wellness program supports cognitive engagement through therapeutic activities. Specialized memory care programming enhances residents' quality of life by providing targeted support strategies that align with their cognitive abilities. Lastly, arranging transportation for medical appointments simplifies access to necessary health services without adding stress to families or caregivers.
MorningStar At Mountain Shadows on seniors.fyi includes 12 photos including images showing interior, decor, lighting, dining, kitchen, staircase, reception, lobby, and more.
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