Senior Living Blog by UMH | Aging & Caregiving (34)

The Difference Between Age and Maturity

By: Jim Stinson September 30th, 2013

And The Mountains Echoed is a fascinating and disturbing novel by Khalem Hosseni, author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. In heart wrenching detail, he tells the story of a family from Afghanistan over a sixty-year period, each one of who continue to be affected by decisions made in earlier generations. It is a sometimes-grim reminder that, while we are free to alter our responses to the events of our lives, thus changing ourselves in some real way, we are always to some extent the product of our past.

The Essential Caregiver's Guide

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 24th, 2013

As your parents and other loved ones age into their senior years, the time will come when they can no longer live on their own and complete everyday tasks without some assistance. There are many questions that arise during this time and a variety of options for families to consider. Who will take care of your loved one? Should they continue to live at home? Would a move to an assisted or independent living community be a good decision? Handling the changes that come during this season of life can be a bit overwhelming for any caregiver.

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Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing Facilities

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 20th, 2013

National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is September 15 -21 and senior communities like assisted living are taking time to spotlight the quality rehab services offered by both skilled care facilities and senior care residences. These facilities help seniors in their post-surgical care, aiding their recovery and enhancing their quality of life.

Evaluating the Cost of an Assisted Living Community

By: Marissa Salvesen September 13th, 2013

The final decision on a senior living community that’s right for you will come down to two closing points: 1) quality services and 2) affordable cost. To accurately evaluate an assisted living community, you must be willing to compare these services and costs with your unique needs and financial capability. Working from a cost-benefit angle will help steer you in the right direction.

National Assisted Living Week: Celebrating Community Life!

By: Marissa Salvesen September 9th, 2013

Caring Relationships. Enriching Lives. During the week of September 8th-14th, our United Methodist Homes Assisted Living Communities will be celebrating a very special week with residents, families, and staff. Established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, National Assisted Living Week® provides a unique opportunity for residents, families, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding community to come together to share with our residents a variety of events and activities that show them how much we care for them.

Celebrating Grandparents Day in Assisted Living Communities!

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 6th, 2013

Grandparents are a very special part of our lives. If you have been fortunate enough to enjoy time with your own grandparents at any point in your life you know that the memories you share with them are priceless! Grandparents have a way of taking the best moments in life and making them even more memorable, whether it be a celebration dinner, a simple gift, a comforting hug, or a story shared. As we turn the pages of our calendars to celebrate National Grandparents Day on Sunday, September 8, 2013, take some time to honor, recognize, and give thanks for the grandparents in your life!

Senior Living Options for Couples

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 2nd, 2013

One of the most frequently asked questions about senior living is whether communities cater to couples who have opposing senior care needs; the answer is yes, most do!

Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community for You

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 30th, 2013

As you begin your search for the right assisted living community, you probably already know what your needs are and what to expect from your soon-to-be new home. If not, start assessing your current needs, whether it’s medication management, assistance with taking a shower or help tying your shoes. A caregiver may want to know many details, such as how a change in personal care needs over time would be handled by the staff or how the community can accommodate residents with dementia needs.

Managing your Aging Parent’s Health Needs

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 28th, 2013

According to a recent poll, the number of adult children providing personal or financial assistance to their parents has tripled in the last 15 years. Becoming a caregiver is a role few people plan for. Most people are thrust into the caregiver role unexpectedly, often when a parent suddenly suffers a stroke or a chronic condition worsens. This often inevitably leads to caregiver burnout and less effective management of a senior parent’s health needs.

Planning and Paying for Assisted Living

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 23rd, 2013

If you and your aging loved one are beginning to think about making a move to a senior living community, you have probably thought about the financial resources you will need for this investment. Most families have many questions about funding when they are searching for an assisted living community. How much will a monthly apartment rental cost? What is included? How much will additional care services cost? Are assisted living services included in the monthly rental or is there a separate fee? When touring an assisted living community, a senior living advisor can answer these questions and simplify the details of evaluating cost.

Assisted Living Communities Celebrate National Senior Citizen’s Day

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 21st, 2013

August 21, 2013 is National Senior Citizen’s Day! This is a time to give special recognition to a remarkable group – our nation’s seniors-- who represent the fastest growing demographic in the world. Who Is A Senior Citizen?