Senior Living Blog by UMH | united methodist homes

How to Afford Senior Living When the Money Runs Out

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 7th, 2017

Running out of money is a real possibility for some who have made senior living communities their home. The money runs out for a number of reasons and common among them are: longevity (the average length of stay in assisted living is 2.5 years but many live there significantly longer) increasing rental costs, increasing costs in senior health care services and a need for more assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) than before. There are others, but these situations just mentioned place an immediate draw on private funds.

Caring for Aging Parents: Discussing Change

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 3rd, 2017

Change is inevitable. As your parents age, you often become their strongest support system. But for many adult children, this may be the one challenge you’re not quite ready for! When caring for aging parents, it usually becomes necessary to have a talk with your loved ones regarding matters of change, such as senior living and long-term care options, legal documentation, and financial decisions. Before any adult child can have this talk, it is important to come to terms with the health changes of your loved and evaluate how these changes will affect the rest of the family.

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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

Everything You Need to Know About Hospice Care in CT

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 6th, 2017

Like many topics related to death and dying, families tend to avoid the topic of hospice care until a physician or social worker brings up the subject. This is unfortunate because studies show that people tend to live longer when they receive hospice care in CT. When you and your family know about the services and benefits of hospice, you will feel more comfortable discussing it with your doctor when the time arises.

Is My Parent Ready for Assisted Living?

By: Marissa Salvesen April 3rd, 2017

How can you tell when your loved one is ready for an assisted living community? If only it were as simple as a big, red flag popping up saying “NOW IS THE TIME!” Well, you may not see the big flag but chances are there are lots of little indicators that may have gone unnoticed. If your parent or loved one is having more and more difficulty with everyday activities, such as getting around the house, running errands, showering and dressing, NOW is the time. Helping mom or dad recognize their changing needs and cope with an impending move is important. If your loved one is opposed to or reluctant to make a move, suggest a short-term, trial stay at an assisted living community. They can take a “test drive” but not commit to a permanent move.

Recognizing American Red Cross Month

By: Elizabeth Bemis March 5th, 2016

March is “American Red Cross Month”, which makes it the perfect time to recognize the work of this valuable organization and its volunteers. The goal of “American Red Cross Month” is to bring awareness to the public so they understand how what they do can help people all over the world. Volunteers include those who donate blood, CPR trainees, volunteers who show up to respond to a home fire in the middle of the night. These are the everyday heroes of the Red Cross who make a difference in communities across the United States and around the world.

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.

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.

Promoting Healthy Senior Living at our UMH Communities

By: Marissa Salvesen January 22nd, 2014

At each of our UMH communities, we are proud to offer health and wellness programs that promote independence, dignity, and choice for our residents. Healthy senior living is a goal that can be reached….our staff work hard to support and encourage residents to create and meet goals that will help them to live strong and well for as long as they possibly can.

Everything You Need to Know about Touring a Senior Living Community

By: Marissa Salvesen January 9th, 2014

Touring a senior living community with an aging loved one is a great way to introduce them to the options and lifestyle of assisted or independent living. While your loved one may feel like they are not ready to make a move, a tour can help to disarm fears, erase myths and clear up misconceptions that accompany this major life decision.

Values in Action… The Difference a Mission Makes!

By: Marissa Salvesen November 4th, 2013

United Methodist Homes Recognizes 2013 “Values in Action” Winners! Caring Relationships, Enriching Lives…. those are not just words on a paper. Those words reflect 140 years of developing a mission that defines the integrity of our work. Our staff lives and acts upon those words each day as we care for the residents who live in our assisted and independent living communities and the patients at our short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing homes.