Senior Living Blog by UMH | Aging & Caregiving (32)

Understanding Anxiety Surrounding the Holidays

By: Marissa Salvesen December 26th, 2013

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many older adults. The loss of loved ones, close friends, physical mobility, and independence can be a very hard thing to adjust to. For many older adults, these changes can make the holidays quite different than they once were.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating an Assisted Living Community

By: Marissa Salvesen December 24th, 2013

As you begin the search for an assisted living community for your aging loved one, you will find that these communities come in all shapes and sizes, which may or may not suit you and your loved one’s goals. Therefore, the first thing you need to consider is the needs of your loved one and how they might change in a month, three months or even a year from now. Ask each provider how he or she might accommodate these changing needs as time rolls on.

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7 Reasons Why You Need Your Flu Shot This Year

By: Marissa Salvesen December 21st, 2013

A lot of people think of “the flu” as a very bad cold. Sure, many of us get over it fine, but we tend to forget that when it strikes (sometimes twice a year!), it can hit like a Mack truck! The flu is one of the most common viral infections that attack everyone—young and old—some worse than others, particularly older adults. And if you’ve ever received a flu shot, you know that last season’s shot is no longer effective this season. So, here are seven reasons why you need your flu shot this year.

Transitioning to Assisted Living

By: Marissa Salvesen December 17th, 2013

Change is challenging for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for your aging loved one. The thought of making a move to an assisted living community can leave your mom or dad feeling vulnerable, like they are leaving their home and all that is familiar behind. These are all normal emotions which can be addressed with proper preparation. Taking the time to thoughtfully prepare for the transition can help your loved one adjust more easily.

Terrible Reasons to Not Consider Assisted Living

By: Marissa Salvesen December 7th, 2013

You may have reasons you thought were smart at the time to NOT consider assisted living, but in retrospect, maybe you missed some of the simple facts about senior living communities that could help you as you search for options for your loved one. Here are seven terrible reasons from seniors and their caregivers that describe why they chose NOT to consider assisted living.

The Value of Stories

By: Jim Stinson December 5th, 2013

A Blog by Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life for United Methodist Homes “Do you Remember when, Grandma…?” As my family was waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready they were doing what most families do at holiday time. They were reminiscing. Since “Grandma” always lived with us she was a source of many memories, especially as she grew older and had ever-greater senility. No one was ever sure what she would say or when she would say it.

10 Inspiring Quotes about Aging

By: Marissa Salvesen November 29th, 2013

How often do you hear inspiring words about aging in our fast-paced, modern world? So much about our culture is focused on youthfulness, it would seem that we hardly stop to think about the wisdom that comes with many years lived on this earth. Here are a few witty, practical, and engaging quotes that celebrate healthy aging and provoke thought. Because, after all, “Age is only a matter of mind, and if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

An Investigation into the Benefits of Assisted Living Vs. Hiring a Caregiver

By: Marissa Salvesen November 27th, 2013

At some point your aging loved one is probably going to need more care than you can provide as their caregiver. You may need to make a decision to hire a caregiver for your loved one or explore some senior living options together. It is important to consider the cost and benefits of both options before ruling out any of the options. Here is a quick summary to help get you started: The cost- benefits of these senior care services are detailed here:

How to Become a Better Caregiver in One Day

By: Marissa Salvesen November 21st, 2013

You become a better caregiver by making your loved one’s day a little brighter--a little lighter and a lot happier each time you care for them. And it’s the simple things that are often the most appreciated. If you can “make their day,” you often unknowingly become a better caregiver. Here are six care-giving tips that will surely help to brighten your loved one’s day:

4 Easy Ways to Preserve Your Loved One’s Life Story

By: Marissa Salvesen November 19th, 2013

November is Family Stories Month. Interestingly enough, November is also National Lifewriting Month! These two celebrations provide a wealth of opportunities for families to connect with their elderly loved ones. So before you leave the table this Thanksgiving (and head out to do all your Black Friday shopping) take a moment to share a story, listen to a story, or write down a few words to remember those stories.

7 Bad Excuses for Not Taking Advantage of UMH's 60-Day Trial Stay!

By: Marissa Salvesen November 13th, 2013

It is important that you feel at home in any one of United Methodist Homes’ (UMH) communities. Whether it be our Middlewoods Assisted and Independent Living Communities in Farmington and Newington, our Crosby Commons Assisted Living Community and our Wesley Heights Independent Living Cottages in Shelton, or perhaps our Foxbridge Assisted Living and Memory Care Community in Memphis, TN, we have your comfort in mind. We invite you to try out, with no commitment, maintenance-free living with our unique 60 day trial stay. Surprisingly, there are quite a lot of “bad” excuses that we hear from people who are just not sure if they are ready to “take the leap”……..when in reality, the trial stay is the best way to “try on” assisted living without having to “take the leap.”