Senior Living Blog by UMH | Elizabeth Bemis (16)

Elizabeth Bemis

In 1998, I drove past an assisted living community construction site, learned that it was part of United Methodist Homes and realized the next stop on my professional journey was to work for a mission driven organization. Soon after, I joined the team as Executive Director of our Middlewoods of Farmington community and later served as Regional Manager for the Middlewoods properties before accepting my current role as Vice President of Marketing, Promotions, and Assisted Living Operations. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, walking, and love working alongside our staff, residents, and families to build strong communities that reflect the mission, vision, and values of United Methodist Homes.

How to Afford an Assisted Living Home

By: Elizabeth Bemis January 7th, 2013

Assisted living communities typically offer personal care and nursing services; including meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication supervision, exercise programs and social activities. When searching for an assisted living home a big factor is often the cost. Since assisted living communities offer different services, amenities and settings there are several different factors that determine the pricing of assisted living communities.

Healthy Living in Senior Care Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis January 2nd, 2013

Healthy living is essential for everyone, especially aging individuals. As one ages it becomes increasingly necessary to take care of your health and pay attention to the food being consumed. Nutritional needs vary and some may have restricted diets. It is important to consult with physicians to stay on top of these health requirements.

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Assisted Living New Year's Resolutions

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 31st, 2012

As the year comes to an end, it is a time to reflect on the all of the successes and memories of the past year. Bringing in another new year allows us the opportunity to make New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year. It is especially important for seniors to continue to make resolutions each year. Making resolutions can create something to look forward to and a sense of confidence and excitement.

Helping Your Aging Loved One Cope with Tragedy

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 21st, 2012

An unfortunate reality of caring for aging loved ones is that we are often the ones called upon to deliver bad news and support them as they cope with it. Those that must do so often feel inadequate to the task. There is no easy way to share such information, but there are some guiding principles. When you are the one to talk to an aging loved one about something you know will upset them, even as it upsets you, where do you begin the conversation?

Alzheimer's Communication During the Holidays

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 19th, 2012

The holiday season can often be a stressful time for Alzheimer’s caregivers, families and patients. Although, this may seem like an impossible task to deal with, there are ways to cope and communicate with a person living with dementia during the holiday season. The key to dealing with this difficult season is to focus on feelings. Think about how the person living with Alzheimer’s feels. Try to use short answers and focus on nonverbal communication. The more information and words you use, the more complicated your answer is, the harder it is for the person with Alzheimer’s to understand.

Assisted Living Communities Celebrate National Bake Cookies Day

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 17th, 2012

December 18 is “National Bake Cookies Day”. With the holidays right around the corner, this could be the perfect opportunity to gather up all the cookie ingredients you can find, put on an apron and make as many delicious cookies as possible. Not only will the end product be delicious, but often the entire process of making these cookies can be a rewarding event that brings family and friends together.

Assisted Living Moving Preparation in CT

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 10th, 2012

Once a senior decides to move into an assisted living community, the next step is for them to start preparations to move. It is completely normal for both seniors and their loved ones to feel some apprehension and a sense of loss, which is common during all of life's transitions. With some preparation, as well as guidance from the staff at your assisted living of choice in CT, it is possible to make this move smoothly and without a significant degree of emotional distress.

News

Assisted Living | Distinguished Resident Accomplishment Award

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 5th, 2012

National Hand Washing Awareness Week in Assisted Living Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis December 3rd, 2012

National Hand Washing Awareness Week December 2 through December 8, 2012 is National Hand Washing Week. National Hand Washing Awareness Week’s main purpose is to decrease the spread of infectious diseases by empowering individuals to educate and help protect their communities. Clean hands can prevent the spread of germs from one person to another throughout an entire assisted living or independent living community. Working together can help make a difference.

Quality Activities Keep Assisted Living Residents Smiling

By: Elizabeth Bemis November 27th, 2012

Assisted living communities are popular with older adults because they allow them to retain their independence within their own apartment in a dedicated purpose-built community, while having easy access to wide-ranging services, such as meals, health care, transportation and social and recreational activities. United Methodist Homes, a leader in assisted and independent care communities is known for its commitment to providing the highest quality of accommodations and care throughout the assisted living network. Assisted living in CT offers residents a variety of choices in accommodation and a multiplicity of programs and services to ensure that they can enjoy their retirement years to the fullest.

Flu and Pneumonia Shots for Seniors - Is it Too Late?

By: Elizabeth Bemis November 15th, 2012

Although it might seem like the year is winding down to it's cold conclusion and already deep into the annual flu season, it is not too late to go get vaccinated for the flu and pneumonia if you have not done so already. October and November are the usual months during which flu shots are made available to interested individual in public places, though you can also approach your healthcare provider if you have missed your local deadlines. As for the pneumococcal vaccine, it can be scheduled anytime during the year when you have the extra time.