Senior Living Blog by UMH | Retirement Community

Fall Prevention - 5 Tips to Help Prevent Falls

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 3rd, 2017

As people get older in their 70s, 80s, and beyond, they begin to become more physically frail. One of the concerns along with becoming frail is that they might slip and fall. While a fall to a younger person might only result in a bruise, the consequences of a fall to an elderly parent can be severely detrimental. Whether your parents are in assisted living or still in their family home, here are some ways that you can help them avoid falls

Tips for Maintaining Your Brain (Alzheimers Prevention)

By: Elizabeth Bemis March 3rd, 2016

Brain health often deteriorates with the aging process, but the decline is not inevitable in all cases. By taking a few simple steps, you can keep your brain healthy and alert as you enter your golden years.

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Helping Your Loved One Maintain Independence with Dementia

By: Elizabeth Bemis March 1st, 2016

Dementia is a progressive disease where the patient slowly loses mental capabilities and cognitive functions over a period of time. Currently, About 4 to 5 million people in the United States suffer from some form of dementia.

7 Reasons to Consider Assisted Living

By: Marissa Salvesen October 2nd, 2013

There are many valid reasons to consider assisted living, with each holding a different value depending on your personal journey. Assisted living communities provide a broad range of services and your decision to consider making a move will depend on both your present and future needs and the timeline in which those needs must be met.

The Importance of Therapy Dogs at Senior Care Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis January 8th, 2013

Therapy dogs provide affection and comfort to those around them. May it be a hospital, retirement home, assisted living community or other senior care community these dogs create an overwhelmingly positive feeling for those around them. In senior care communities therapy dogs can increase the feeling of bonding and happiness while lowering stress levels. These dogs may greet those in the community, accompany residents during their daily routines (such as reading the paper) or may just want to engage in play with residents around with their own dog toys in a nice game of tug-of-war or catch.

How to Afford an Assisted Living Home

By: Elizabeth Bemis January 7th, 2013

Assisted living communities typically offer personal care and nursing services; including meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation, medication supervision, exercise programs and social activities. When searching for an assisted living home a big factor is often the cost. Since assisted living communities offer different services, amenities and settings there are several different factors that determine the pricing of assisted living communities.

Flu and Pneumonia Shots for Seniors - Is it Too Late?

By: Elizabeth Bemis November 15th, 2012

Although it might seem like the year is winding down to it's cold conclusion and already deep into the annual flu season, it is not too late to go get vaccinated for the flu and pneumonia if you have not done so already. October and November are the usual months during which flu shots are made available to interested individual in public places, though you can also approach your healthcare provider if you have missed your local deadlines. As for the pneumococcal vaccine, it can be scheduled anytime during the year when you have the extra time.

Caring for the Elderly: Dealing with Resistance

By: Elizabeth Bemis October 31st, 2012

When our loved ones reach their older years, it's not uncommon for them to refuse help. It helps to know the main causes of this resistance so you can better understand how you can help them.

A Brief History of United Methodist Homes

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 24th, 2012

United Methodist Homes provides professional assisted and independent living, short term rehab and skilled nursing care in CT, as well as skilled nursing care in IN and dementia and memory care assisted living in TN. As a forerunner in senior living, you will find an established senior community in the network of UMH facilities. Discover the difference in retirement facilities that nearly 125 years of experience can provide.

Caring for Someone with Diabetes

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 7th, 2012

Managing diabetes means creating and maintaining a system of routines to help address the problem from all angles. This means more than simply taking regular blood sugar tests and taking insulin as necessary; this means a complete change in lifestyle and long-established habits. Doing these things is already difficult if you are the diabetic, and can be even more so if you are taking care of a senior with diabetes. Fortunately, there are simple, concrete steps that you can take to improve the quality of care for your loved one.

Caring for Someone with Arthritis

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 21st, 2012

If a loved one, like a parent, has recently been diagnosed with arthritis, you may be unsure of what to do next. Luckily, arthritis is not a life-threatening illness, but it can still be painful and impact someone's quality of life.