Senior Living Blog by UMH | caregiver information

When is the “Right” Time to Move your Loved One into Assisted Living

By: Marissa Salvesen June 4th, 2017

It might be nearing the “right” time to move a parent into an assisted living community when health and safety needs are putting your loved one at risk in their home. If this is your concern then it’s time to have a talk with your loved one. Often there are telltale signs of something “not right” in the home that you can address quickly before things spiral out of control.

Senior Isolation: What You Need to Know

By: Marissa Salvesen March 5th, 2015

We all understand what it feels like to be lonely. For most of us these feelings are only temporary; however, loneliness and social isolation can become a state of being for many seniors.

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60-day stay trial | Aging & Caregiving | assisted living | caregiver information | diabetes

Simple Ways to Help Your Loved One Manage His or Her Diabetes

By: Marissa Salvesen November 25th, 2014

Nearly 30 million kids and adults in the U.S. have diabetes and an additional 86 million Americans are at risk for developing the disease.

Always Saying Good-bye

By: Jim Stinson October 7th, 2014

By Rev. Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life for United Methodist Homes “It seems as if we’re always saying goodbye.” This comment was shared from a resident in one of senior living communities at our Wesley Village Campus in Shelton, CT. It speaks to an all too common experience of older adults. Inevitably, as we age, more and more of our loved ones and friends precede us in death. It also speaks to a sense of loneliness often found among the aging.

“Kicking and Screaming”

By: Jim Stinson September 30th, 2014

By Jim Stinson

5 Common Misconceptions About Aging

By: Marissa Salvesen May 1st, 2014

Many people have the wrong impression of what it means to grow old. The older years of an individual’s life can actually be a very active time for many people, with new experiences and new connections. Many older adults may feel like they are no longer useful, productive, or valuable in their later years of life, but “old age” can be full of meaning and purpose for those who choose to explore the possibilities.

Daily Tasks: How to Make Them Easier for Your Aging Loved One

By: Marissa Salvesen March 27th, 2014

Even the most routine daily tasks can become a challenge for aging parents because of impaired fine motor skills and declining cognitive abilities. By implementing strategies around the home, such as mobility devices and memory aids, you can help your loved one transition through these changes while promoting optimal quality of life.

Quick, Nutritious and Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen March 25th, 2014

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition; in fact, many diseases common among older adults are a direct result of dietary insufficiencies. Making sure that your aging loved has access to balanced meals can be a real challenge for caregivers, especially if mom or dad is living alone.

The Importance of Communication in Assisted Living

By: Marissa Salvesen February 27th, 2014

Communication is an important part of everyday life in an assisted living community. In each UMH community, we recognize that communication needs dialogue. Learn more about this dialogue in our newest ebook "The ABC's of Assisted Living".

4 Daily Exercises Every Senior Should be Doing

By: Marissa Salvesen February 6th, 2014

Exercising, for seniors, helps maintain flexibility, endurance and strength, all while improving heart health, which is important for older adults. Exercising, when chosen carefully and found to be in line with what the senior body can handle, helps improve overall quality of life, lessen problems from balance and coordination issues and aids in maintaining strength.

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.