Dreams Can Come True at Crosby Commons

Crosby Commons resident, Ted Pfeuffer, saw his dream come true on Wednesday, thanks to the “Journey of Dreams" program at Wesley Village Assisted and Independent Living Community. Ted and his fellow residents enjoyed horse and buggy rides around the campus. Why was this so special and how did the staff at Crosby Commons know to make this dream a reality? 

In honor “National Nursing Home Week”, United Methodist Homes will continue to provide important information about nursing homes as well as share some of the things our Bishop Wicke Heath and Rehab Center in Shelton, CT is doing in honor of this week. 

One of the well-worn questions regarding senior care surrounds how to talk with your parents about assisted living. Caregivers agonize over having this discussion and with good reason. These are your loved ones, you want to get it right and spare any hurt feelings.

As one ages it becomes increasingly important to maintain proper exercise and eating habits. By developing a healthy diet and exercising regularly you can reduce the risk for health complications. However, it is also important to have regular doctors appointments to make sure you are continuously in good health. One simple thing to pay attention to is monitoring your blood pressure. While this may not always be the first thing on people's minds to check it is incredibly important to do so. Many assisted living communities provide free blood pressure checks or on site doctors that can quickly check and monitor your blood pressure for you.

In honor of Mother’s Day Assisted Living and Independent Living Communities are hosting several different events for all of the mothers within the community. Mother’s Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and in general the positive contributions they have made to their families and society.

As a caregiver and child of aging parents, one of the most difficult things you must do is confront the fact that at some point you will need to have “the talk” with your loved one about their future.  This is a challenging time for you and your parents as you both begin to acknowledge and discuss their diminishing abilities. Your parents are probably aware of their physical and cognitive changes and they may be anxious and reluctant to speak with you.  Here are five steps to help you make sense of the changes and work with your parents to plan for the future:

Does your kitchen look like a display ad for gadgets and counter-top appliances? Does all of the excess furniture lying around your living space look like it should be in a yard sale?  If you answered “yes” or even a reluctant “no”, then it’s time to freshen up your home. Spring is the season of renewal, so get caught up in the fever and throw out the junk and re-organize your space! For seniors citizens and their caregivers, these five spring cleaning tips are for safety first.

Families are often in the middle of a health crisis with their aging loved one when they have to sort out the difference between the care offered at skilled nursing homes and assisted living communities.  Skilled nursing facilities are commonly referred to as nursing homes and are licensed healthcare facilities that are inspected and regulated by the state’s Department of Public Health and have nurses on staff 24-hours each day. Long and short-term care is available for those who need rehabilitation services or suffer from serious or persistent health issues that are too complicated to be tended to at assisted living.

The Administration of Aging publicizes and celebrates “Older Americans Month” in May every year as a way to help organizations demonstrate our commitment to honoring the value that elders contribute to our communities. This year the theme is “Unleash the Power of Age!” This month celebrates the contributions that thousands of older Americans across our nation have made. Currently 52% of older Americans volunteer their time through unpaid community service. They bring not only their experiences, talents, interests and skills to the organizations they serve, but also their creativity and vitality which help to enrich the lives of those whom they work with as well as their own.

Knowing when is the right time to move your loved one into assisted living is not easy. You may have seen warning signs that put you on edge, such as out-of-character behaviors and various odd incidents at home which planted the seed of alternative care in your head.  The fact that you are having this mental conflict in the first place is a sign in itself to start the conversation with your loved ones.