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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.
While seniors are fast growing users of digital technology, there are some obstacles to adoption among the 65 and over set. Social media, in particular, can be imposing territory, and yet it also offers plentiful payoffs for those who persevere. If you’ve thought about introducing your aging loved one to social media but have never done so, now might be the perfect time to make that connection. Let’s take a closer look at older adults and social media, along with tips for helping seniors get social.
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Summertime is on our minds! Residents from our UMH senior living communities have been sharing a few of their favorite summer memories with us….we thought they would be fun to share! What are some of YOUR favorite summer memories? Check out their memories below or scroll through our social media pages to reminisce alongside our residents…
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Summer is here - school is out for children, everyone is enjoying the beach, the picnics, and the warmer weather... but for many caregivers, it can be hard to take a break. When an aging loved one needs frequent visits, daily phone calls, and help managing medical appointments, meals, household responsibilities and more, a vacation can seem like a distant dream!
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One of the leading concerns many seniors have about moving to an assisted living community is losing their independence. After all, many of us first encounter “freedom” around the age of 18 and never plan on looking back. But the truth is that not only can assisted living help promote a sense of freedom in terms of keeping older adults engaged in everyday activities, but it can also lead to a better quality of life during an otherwise precarious time. Let’s count down three ways assisted living can encourage independence.
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Aging & Caregiving | Cope With Tragedy | aging parents | assisted living | caregiver tips | tips for seniors
Dealing with tragedy can be especially difficult for your aging loved one. For many older adults, loss becomes frighteningly more common throughout the aging process. Whether it be the loss of a spouse, a child or sibling, a good friend, or even a pet, these circumstances can weigh heavily on your loved one for several months.
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Whether seniors have a lifelong love of gardening or have never grown anything green - ever, research increasingly points to the many reasons why tending to a garden is good for older adults. From encouraging physical activity to promoting food security, the benefits of gardening go on and on. Gardening has even been proven to be therapeutic for people with Alzheimer’s disease! The observation of National Garden Week - celebrated in 2016 from June 5-11 -- is the perfect opportunity to encourage seniors to start enjoying the benefits of gardening. Not sure where to begin? Consider these three simple gardening projects aimed at helping aging loved ones get up close and personal with nature.
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60-day stay trial | Aging & Caregiving | active seniors | assisted living | assisted living community | senior living community | united methodist homes assisted living
It is important that you feel at home in your new senior living home. But how do you know if you're actually going to be comfortable and happy in this new space? Whether it be our Middlewoods Assisted and Independent Living Community in Farmington or Newington, we have your comfort in mind. We invite you to try out maintenance-free living with our unique 60-day trial stay....with no long term commitment!
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Summer is almost here… and with it, some of our favorite fresh fruits and vegetables! Just in case you forgot, the month of June is the perfect time to enjoy ripe, red strawberries. Take advantage of pick- your-own options or stop by your local supermarket or farmer’s market and bring some home. The nutrients and health benefits of strawberries are plentiful. Many thanks to Kristin Tallodi, UMH Dietetic Intern (University of Saint Joseph, Class of 2016) for sharing a few of them with us in this article. Looking for a fun and healthy new way to use your strawberries? Check out this great recipe for Cheesecake-Filled Strawberries – it’s included at the end of the article too. We made these strawberries with our residents and they were a hit! Enjoy! Tina Miller, RD UMH Senior Care Dietitian
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If and when it comes time to make a move to a senior living community, knowing what to expect can make the process a bit easier. So before you pack the boxes and put the house on the market, read through our 10 steps to moving in and share them with your loved one and other family members. Not ready to make the move just yet? These 10 steps may answer a few questions you have about the transition….check them out for future reference!
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Later life is often referred to as “the golden years,” but the truth is that this time can also be fraught with worries. May heralds the arrival of “Older American Month" (OAM), along with the opportunity to shine a light on some critical concerns facing older individuals. In honor of our loved ones, we’re sharing four things to think about that can help your loved one through the aging process.
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While we frequently talk about the importance of assessing the changing physical and mental capabilities of older drivers, another driving-related safety issue often goes overlooked: vehicle condition. May shines the light on this topic with the observation of National Good Car-Keeping Month! Let’s take a closer look at this senior safety imperative, along with highlighting a few tips for proactive car maintenance.
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