Senior Living Blog by UMH

How Senior Living Maintains Independence, Part 1: Independent Living

By: Tracey Haughton December 13th, 2024

Independence is a hallmark of adulthood—one that, for many people, the mere thought of losing is enough to cause profound distress. As we grow older, maintaining independence becomes critical as our bodies and minds begin to reflect the wear and tear of life. A strong sense of independence is essential for seniors' physical, mental, and emotional health. For senior living communities committed to exceptional living and high-quality care, preserving older adults’ independence is at the heart of the journey every step of the way. However, the perception that senior living restricts an older adult’s ability to remain independent can cause resistance to this move, even if a senior can no longer safely live at home. In this three-part series, we will explore how a senior’s independence is honored and prioritized at each level of care: independent living, assisted living, and memory care or skilled nursing. Last month, we discussed what seniors and their loved ones can expect from independent living communities. This article will explore how independent living communities honor a senior’s sense of independence. The Pillars of Independence How an older adult defines independence can vary from person to person. For some, independence may mean being able to drive for as many years as they can. For others, it may mean being able to style their hair each morning. Senior living communities' efforts to maintain senior independence are rooted in a commitment to healthy aging. In support of that goal, we have compiled a brief list of independence “pillars” in the world of senior living.

Holiday Humbug: Combating Senior Isolation During the Holiday Season

By: Marissa Salvesen December 12th, 2024

Twinkling lights bring gaiety to quiet neighborhood streets. Decorations adorn local shops in all shades of reds and greens. The scent of frost and peppermint fills the air. For many, the holiday season is a time for joy and celebration. For others, however, the holidays come with mixed emotions. Seniors and their caregivers alike can struggle with stress during the holiday season. For caregivers already navigating a complex balance of work, life, and caring for a senior loved one, the holidays can add unnecessary frustration and unwanted pressure in the form of added responsibilities, lengthy to-do lists, and caregiver burnout. For seniors, the holidays can create or amplify feelings of anxiety, discouragement, and grief. Memories of Yuletides past can be a painful reminder of the family and friends that are no longer here and can highlight the physical challenges and changes that have come with aging. Many older adults also struggle with social isolation and loneliness, which can be intensified by the cultural emphasis on companionship during the holidays. This can especially be true of older adults who are physically and/or emotionally distant from their loved ones, live alone, lack reliable transportation, have lost a spouse or close friends, or are homebound. Combating social isolation and feelings of loneliness, especially among older seniors, cannot be overstated. In addition to affecting emotional and mental well-being, these feelings can significantly impact a person’s physical health and longevity. With the holiday season underway, we have examined a few of these health impacts and offered ways to help alleviate the isolation and loneliness an aging loved one may experience during this time of year. Read on to learn more.

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What is Independent Living?

By: Tracey Haughton November 15th, 2024

The world of senior living offers a wide assortment of living arrangements for older adults and their loved ones to consider, such as 55+ communities, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and independent living. With ever-growing options and plenty of ambiguous terms, taking the first step into your family’s senior living journey can often feel intimidating. Moving into any senior living community is a deeply personal decision, so it makes sense that families would want to carefully weigh their choices and consider what will work best for their loved one’s unique wants and needs. They may find themselves asking a lot of questions, like “What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?” or “How much will this cost?” To help older adults and their families navigate some of these questions, we are breaking down what seniors and their loved ones can expect from one of the more popular senior living options: independent living communities. Read on to learn more about what they are, what features they provide, and who benefits the most from moving into them. What is independent living? At its core, independent senior living is community living for older adults who want to minimize the stress and labor of daily tasks while still maintaining the independence and privacy of an individual home. For an inclusive monthly fee, seniors can rent an apartment, townhouse, cottage, or similar residence, with the added benefit of certain services and amenities as well as opportunities to easily socialize and engage with others. Independent living differs from other senior living options like assisted living communities and memory care. While independence is encouraged at every level of senior living, “independent living communities” are designed for seniors who are generally in good health and self-reliant. Assisted living and memory care communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors facing challenges with daily tasks or experiencing cognitive change.

Four Unique Ways to Give Thanks This Thanksgiving

By: Marissa Salvesen November 14th, 2024

For many, the month of November is a time for gathering with family, friends, and plenty of turkey. The Thanksgiving holiday brings us together amid the colder, darker days of late fall and can provide a necessary opportunity to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for. Political division, a changing climate, global tensions, and even the stress of growing older can make the world feel anxiety-inducing on the best of days. While not a panacea for every emotion or every situation, taking the time to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” has frequently been linked to lower stress levels, among other benefits for seniors. In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, we are exploring four unique ways that seniors and their loved ones can give thanks this year.