Tag Archives: assisted living community

A group of seniors sitting together and smiling.

Benefits of Strong Friendships in Assisted Living Facility

As we age, our health and well-being become increasingly important. While there are many habits we can develop to promote healthy aging, one key aspect is developing strong relationships with our peers. This article will examine the benefits of assisted living and the ways in which senior friendships promote healthy aging. Benefits Of Assisted Living Increased social interaction: Living in an assisted living community provides seniors with numerous opportunities for social interaction and engagement. This can include participating in recreational activities, attending events and programs, and simply enjoying the company of others. These social interactions have been shown to have numerous benefits for seniors, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving mental and physical health, and reducing the risk of depression. Improved safety and security: Assisted living communities are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for seniors. This includes 24-hour monitoring and emergency response systems, as well as staff who are trained to provide assistance with activities of daily living. This peace of mind can help seniors feel more relaxed and secure, which in turn can improve their overall health and well-being. Access to health and wellness services: Many assisted living communities offer on-site health and wellness services, such as physical therapy and wellness programs. These services can help seniors maintain their physical health and mobility, which can help prevent falls and other health issues. Additionally, many assisted living communities also provide access to health care providers, making it easier for seniors to receive the medical care they need. […]

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What You Should Know About Senior Assisted Living

As with many issues associated with growing old, assisted living has long been a topic that almost everyone does not focus too much on until they require it. At that time, you may have many questions to ask service providers about senior assisted living. It may seem overwhelming to you to answer all those questions at once. This is why we will discuss many pieces of important information about the said living arrangement here. A State Licenses And Regulates Assisted Living Facilities The assisted living industry is state-regulated in the United States of America. Every single state in the nation determines a unique set of laws for assisted living and implements those pieces of legislation. In almost every state, the Department of Health (DOH) oversees assisted living arrangements. The same goes for assisted living facilities New York locations. Not Every Assisted Living Community Is Created Equal Never assume that you know this living arrangement well just because you have been to one of the communities. Each assisted living community is unique in some way as well as has its own standards and philosophies of care. For that reason, it is best for families to go to at least two assisted living locations before arriving at any decision. Providers of quality assisted living New York services will also encourage and welcome family visits. It Is A Cost-Effective Living Option For Seniors Pricing structures may vary by community, but almost every assisted living location offers a good bang for your buck. This […]

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older couple dancing in foreground, another couple playing piano in background

How Old Do I Need To Be For Staying In A Senior Assisted Living Community

When considering senior living options, many people wonder how old they have to be for senior assisted living. After all, the word “old” can mean many different things for different people and the Boomers are showing their younger generations that age is just a number. You may be startled to know that senior living communities offer a living style that can suit a range of ages, from the mid-50s and beyond.   Active Fifties  Independent living communities can be suitable for elderly adults who are in search of a lifestyle that can offer new learning opportunities, new friendships, and freedom from the hassles of home maintenance and ownership. Most of the senior independent living communities in the country allow seniors as young as fifty-five years of age to take advantage of living in an active independent living community. There is no solid upper age limit for these communities. This means that as long as you are capable of maintaining an unconventional lifestyle, you can make the best out of living in these communities.   Independent living communities are much different from what many seniors think of when they recall the retirement home of their mother or father. Most of the modern independent living communities feature amenities like free Wi-Fi, on-campus lectures, overnight trips, and even swimming pools. Residents of these communities can take part in a variety of activities and events and enjoy dining experiences featuring chef-made cuisine.   Aging In Place  With age comes chronic or complex medical conditions. […]

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Seniors enjoying mental exercises.

Mental Exercises And Cognitive Games For Seniors

You can always help your senior loved ones improve their brain function and cognitive health. Age certainly plays a significant part in the decline of memory and other cognitive capabilities. However, there are proven ways to maintain and improve these capabilities at any age. If you are in search of ways to help your senior loved ones focus on their mental and cognitive health, the following information shared by professionals in assisted living communities and senior nursing homes can be useful.   Basics Of Cognitive Health  Previously it was believed that the ability of the brain to learn and grow was finite, however, more recent studies show that that the human brain can continue to reorganize, adapt and make new pathways. It is now more evident that our brain can change and stay sharp well past the growing years. However, to have the full benefits of neuroplasticity, people should practice using their brains. Many scientists believe that some stimulating activities can protect the human brain by making a “cognitive reserve.”   Optimizing Neuroplasticity    To help your senior loved ones optimize the health of their brain, you need to encourage them to take part in activities that help with cognitive stimulation. To introduce this kind of mental exercise in the lives of your senior loved ones, you can include exercises that focus on perception, attention, processing speed, memory, and reasoning capabilities. Exercises and games that focus on these specific areas of improving and maintaining the cognitive capabilities of seniors are […]

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An elderly woman and a staff member at an assisted living home.

A Few Stimulating Activities For The Elderly

Have you recently started to feel that the senior in your life has slumped into a daily rut? It is a common thing for elders to develop a routine that can dull their spirits and negatively impact their mental and physical wellbeing. However, you need not worry, as many stimulating activities can help improve the quality of life of your senior loved one. Many ideas can improve the physical abilities and mental capabilities of seniors. Engaging in stimulating activities can benefit seniors in many ways like: Minimizing depression and agitation Maintaining motor skills Get a feeling of accomplishment A few stimulating activities for seniors are discussed below. These activities can help seniors become more engaged in their lives. Gardening  For seniors who enjoy the outdoors, gardening can be a great option. Even if they do not have the agility and strength to perform advanced gardening activities, they can always do the basic gardening tasks like seed placement, watering, raking, etc. Gardening is an activity that can arouse the senses and can give seniors a chance to get vitamin D. For seniors who are more physically able, there are tasks like weeding, digging, and potting. Many assisted living communities and senior homes encourage their residents to take part in gardening. Exercises And Walking  Walking is a physical activity that can help seniors ensure a flow of endorphins. Seniors can walk around the community or many also join swimming programs or exercise groups. Organized exercise sessions like aerobics and yoga are also […]

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Two pairs of hands, one older and one younger, cup a small red heart which symbolized heart and cholesterol health in senior citizens.

Addressing High Cholesterol Problems in Seniors

Managing cholesterol levels is very important to maintain good heart health as we age. Cholesterol can be found in certain foods and is necessary to support many bodily functions. However, high cholesterol levels can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and it is even linked to Alzheimer’s disease. That is why it’s essential to understand how to manage high cholesterol problems in seniors. Managing High Cholesterol in Seniors Cholesterol comes in two types: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL is more commonly known as good cholesterol as it helps to regulate cell creation, hormone production, and digestion. LDL can be viewed as bad cholesterol, as it can lead to the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels and arteries. This accumulation of plaque makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body, leading to heart failure and other cardiovascular problems. Generally, seniors’ healthy cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dl when taken as the total cholesterol count. Ideally, the LDL level should be 100 mg/dl and the HDL level above 50 mg/dl in women and 40 mg/dl in men. Seniors with diabetes or heart disease are recommended to maintain an even lower LDL level, preferably below 70 mg/dl. However, it is seen that as we age, our body produces more cholesterol. Combined with high-cholesterol foods like saturated vegetable oils and dairy products, this can lead to many health complications. There are many other risk factors as well that could lead to high cholesterol […]

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Male senior citizen holds his hands onto his chest in pain.

Managing Congestive Heart Failure in Seniors

Congestive heart failure (abbreviated CHF) is a type of chronic heart disease, which mostly affects seniors above the age of 65. The phrase “heart failure” does not mean that the heart of the person will stop functioning altogether. Instead, the condition weakens the heart’s muscles and affects how it pumps blood to the body. Heart failure can be of many different types; CHF refers to a specific kind of condition wherein seniors experience excessive fluid built-up in various parts of their body. Seniors with CHF generally have trouble with performing day-to-day tasks and cannot manage their heart condition adequately. This is why caregivers at assisted living facilities offer specialized care services to seniors with the congestive heart failure condition. With proper care, the risk of hospitalization due to worsening of the disease can be avoided. Below is how staffs at an assisted living community manage CHF in their residents. Providing Assistance with Daily Routines Congestive heart failure can lead to many health complications if not managed properly. The common symptoms of the condition include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat. These symptoms make it very difficult for seniors to follow their regular daily routines. For instance, seniors experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue may not be able to walk around well or perform even simple tasks like taking a shower or getting dressed. Caregivers at the senior living facility will be there to assist them with all these tasks. Assisted living communities have experienced and trained […]

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Regularly exercising or maintaining physical activity can help senior citizens in assisted living facilities avoid boredom as well as reduce the risk of sedentary health problems.

Avoiding Sitting Disease in Seniors in Assisted Living Facility

Exercising is one of the key elements to ensure a healthy life, which is why assisted living communities encourage their residents to lead an active lifestyle. It is also seen that a lack of exercise can be very dangerous to the overall health of seniors and can cause a host of ailments. Sitting disease is one of those conditions, which can in turn lead to a lot of health problems like type II diabetes, heart diseases, decreased flexibility and mobility, and even certain types of cancer. A recent study by Northwestern University found that sedentary behavior could be a potential cause of future physical disability and can make it difficult to manage even basic daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing. According to the study, “Every additional hour a day you spend sitting is linked to a 50% greater risk of being disabled regardless of how much moderate exercise you get.” Many other studies have also highlighted how prolonged sitting can heighten the risk of chronic kidney disease, circulatory problems, heart disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. Besides, inactivity for a long time can lead to a feeling of isolation in seniors and take a toll on their mental health as well. This makes it very important for seniors in an assisted living facility to follow a regular exercise schedule to stay fit and active.  Avoiding Sitting Disease in Seniors A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine said that maintaining a high level of physical activity every day helped to […]

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man and woman reading in an assisted living home

Helping Seniors with Dementia Move to Assisted Living

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can get annoyed and frustrated with little things. It is seen that most family members have a difficult time managing the needs of their elders with dementia, which is why they turn to assisted living communities for help. An assisted living home will have professional caregivers at the site to help seniors with all their needs. They make sure that seniors with memory problems live a comfortable and contented life when there. However, moving a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia to the assisted living community can be a bit challenging at first. The change to a new environment can be traumatic for some seniors and can even make their symptoms worse. That is why you should take all the steps necessary to make the move as smooth as possible. Below are some tips to help you out in that regard. Set your Goals Straight As soon as your senior starts feeling agitated due to their condition and forgetfulness, you should start planning the move to an assisted living community. Communicate with your senior, try to learn about their preferences, and focus on their needs to choose the best assisted living home for meeting those requirements. This will help to decrease the anxiety related to the move. Besides, it will also make you feel more confident knowing that you have made the right choice. Create a Familiar Environment Visit the assisted living facility in person and check the amenities and facilities they provide. See how […]

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The Benefits of Hospice Care in an Assisted Living Community

Hospice care is a type of senior care that is designed for people who have an incurable health condition. As per the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, “Hospice is defined as a model of care that emphasizes compassion and values quality of life for those facing life-limiting illness or injury. Hospice is unique in that it uses a team-oriented approach to provide quality medical care and pain management, as well as emotional and spiritual support specific to each patient.” Hospice care aims to help seniors with managing their symptoms and live their remaining days with dignity. Most people associate hospice care with providing care at the home. Yet seniors can also benefit from hospice care services at an assisted living community. In fact, it is reported that around one-third of assisted living residents receive hospice care in their community. The caregivers take the necessary steps to provide additional care when a senior resident at the assisted living facility becomes terminally ill. Hospice care is covered by Medicare and most of the health insurance policies, so it usually does not incur any additional expenses. Sometimes, assisted living facilities collaborate with a specialized hospice care provider to make sure that their residents receive quality care in the community during their last months of life. It is seen that the early adoption of hospice care at an assisted living facility can help seniors in many ways. Hospice healthcare professionals can help seniors as well as their family members to prioritize their goals […]

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