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Happily Ever Aging
...a UMH Senior Living Blog
Everything you need to know about caring for your loved one - at home or at a senior living community.
Aging & Caregiving | Is my parent ready for assisted living | assisted living | assisted living ct | assisted living tn | the journey of aging | united methodist homes
How can you tell when your loved one is ready for an assisted living community? If only it were as simple as a big, red flag popping up saying “NOW IS THE TIME!” Well, you may not see the big flag but chances are there are lots of little indicators that may have gone unnoticed. If your parent or loved one is having more and more difficulty with everyday activities, such as getting around the house, running errands, showering and dressing, NOW is the time. Helping mom or dad recognize their changing needs and cope with an impending move is important. If your loved one is opposed to or reluctant to make a move, suggest a short-term, trial stay at an assisted living community. They can take a “test drive” but not commit to a permanent move.
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Aging & Caregiving | Meet The Family
What makes a house a home? It's not the fancy furniture or shiny chandeliers, but the family who gathers there. At our UMH senior living communities, our staff members are one of the main reasons why our residents feel so at home! Not only do they create a warm family atmosphere, they also understand the challenges faced by families caring for older adults. By fostering caring relationships, staff play an essential role in helping our residents navigate the journey of aging - from the very first visit, to the day they move into our community and every day after that! Read our "Meet the Family" spotlight below to see how John Buccini makes our residents' home such a special place....
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Aging & Caregiving | Health Tips for Senior Citizens | assisted living | healthy aging | senior nutrition
You’ve heard of the Ides of March, but have you heard about the Eyes of March? March is “Save Your Vision Month” (named by the American Optometric Association) and a great time to evaluate and improve your eye health. The American Optometric Association created "Save Your Vision Month" to bring awareness to eye health and important practices to maintain throughout the year. Although eye health is extremely important to everyone, seniors must take extra precautions to have optimum eye health.
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No matter your age or life stage, making new friends can be challenging. As we age, the opportunities to meet and connect with new people dwindle, leaving us hanging onto a handful of true friends we've made throughout the years. After retiring, our loved ones experience these issues just like we do, except they have added challenges.
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When a loved one has medical needs that require a more concentrated level of care, their doctor might recommend short term rehabilitation. But what does that mean, and is it really necessary? For the most part, aging relatives can receive the care they need by keeping up with their regular doctor visits, and dutifully taking all prescribed medications. However, when something more serious comes along, it becomes very important for your loved one to have access to a greater amount of professional care. This is where a senior rehabilitation center comes in.
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While many seniors and caregivers embrace the idea of “aging in place” at home, assisted living communities offer a number of benefits that aren’t always available to aging adults who remain in their homes. Wondering if assisted living might be the right fit for your aging loved one?
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Aging & Caregiving | Meet The Family
What makes a house a home? It's not the fancy furniture or shiny chandeliers, but the family who gathers there. At our UMH senior living communities, our staff members are one of the main reasons why our residents feel so at home! Not only do they create a warm family atmosphere, they also understand the challenges faced by families caring for older adults. By fostering caring relationships, staff play an essential role in helping our residents navigate the journey of aging - from the very first visit, to the day they move into our community and every day after that! Read our "Meet the Family" spotlight below to see how Amy Broadbent makes our residents' home such a special place....
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There are three circumstances under which people seek out information on assisted living. The first is when it is becoming apparent that the needs of a loved one will soon exceed the capacity of the caregiver. The second, is after a crisis which proves that the caregiver is in over their heads and needs immediate assistance. The third, is when an individual plans well in advance for their own care through their mid and late retirement years. Unfortunately for many caregivers, the third option does not happen as often as we might like.
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Aging & Caregiving | Valentines Day | aging seniors | assisted living | caregiver | senior caregiving | tips for caregivers
Valentine's Day is a holiday for couples. This holiday can be very painful when a loved one doesn’t have their husband or wife by their side. For your widowed mom or dad, they could be experiencing this pain. Watching others celebrate with their spouses can trigger deep sadness, and even depression, in your aging loved one.
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Superbowl Sunday is the second largest food consumption day in the US, following behind Thanksgiving. You've probably seen (or even prepared) some of the massive spreads associated with game day, and therefore already know that Super Bowl snacks aren't exactly heart healthy. A Super Bowl party without food would be a sad affair indeed, but what happens when you have some health considerations to plan around? Those caring for relatives suffering or recovering from heart-related conditions suddenly find themselves facing the prospect of taking the junk food out of a day that traditionally celebrates the unhealthiest menu options. Fear not! With our Super Bowl recipes for seniors, you can prepare some truly delicious and healthy treats that everyone in your family can enjoy. Here are our favorites.
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Staying active is a core component of supporting overall health and quality of life as we age. Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done as seniors face many challenges to mobility, including everything from age-related chronic health problems to fears of falling. However, it is possible for older adults at any age to start enjoying the many-body and brain-boosting benefits of fitness and exercise. Wondering where to begin when it comes to getting your aging loved one up and moving? Start with the five limited mobility fitness tips for seniors.
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