Biography on Eve Knudsen, a Resident of UMH

Her fingers glide across the keys, making that rare kind of music you hear with your ears but feel with your soul. Eve Knudsen, a resident of United Methodist Homes Francis Asbury Manor, is a gifted pianist.

Eve Knudsen, born in Manhattan in 1921 is the only child in a loving home where music sessions were the norm. As she balanced her studies between school and music, Eve was a good student.

Eve did many solo works, local concerts and symphonies in Newark with the help of Ruth Dautel, her music teacher and a protégé of the dean of the Julliard School of Music in New York City. Her strong suit, however, was as an accompanist. “I spent three years during high school and the first year after graduation doing accompanying work for many groups, including the New Jersey State Chorus, the New Jersey Symphony, various church groups, and even the Russian Cossacks, who traveled here from Russia.”

Eve earned her scholarship to Julliard following high school. When she is about to participate in a solo for Julliard’s dean of music, who would finalize the scholarship, an unfortunate and surprising turn of events occurred. “The dean passed away of a heart attack the night before my test,” Eve says. Instead of waiting six months to finalize her scholarship, Eve took a job as a bank bookkeeper to “repay my parents in some small way for all they had invested in my musical education.”

Eve looks back on a life filled with music as “very rewarding.” She is now a great grandmother of six and an excellent spokesperson for The United Methodist Homes communities. Francis Asbury Manor has been her home for almost 20 years.

United Methodist Homes is dedicated to our communities, associates, volunteers and residents.  We celebrate the experiences, stories and lives of all those that make our close knit communities. To find out more information about UMH, visit http://www.umh-nj.org/

What to Know About the Cost of Assisted Living

One of the biggest concerns for potential residents and families today is the expected costs of assisted living and the increasing rate of long-term care. United Methodist Homes strongly recommends that individuals consult with a good elder law or estate planning attorney to obtain the best advice and information specific to their situation; however, here is some basic information to get you started.

Assisted living costs will vary based on the type of services you need the monthly. In general, you can expect to spend between $3,000 and $9,000 a month. The expense also includes:

•    A daily meal or meals
•    Housekeeping/cleaning services
•    Building and apartment maintenance services
•    Utilities (water, gas & electric)
•    Security is provided at all our communities
•    Access to community enrichment activities

There may also be a small admission fee which goes toward the costs of establishing the programs, helping with move-ins, and setting up care services for new residents.

Financial Qualification

Financial qualification is based on many factors mainly your age and care needs. It’s a false statement that moving into assisted living requires signing over all your assets along with your home. At United Methodist Homes, we review many factors while determining your financial eligibility to enter our communities. Your home may be a part of financial qualifications factors, but we never ask you to give us any ownership of your house. Nonetheless, if the value of your house was used as part of your financial qualification you will be required to maintain that asset to pay for your stay.

Financial Help

There are costs of long-term care and assisted living government programs that can be benefit qualified individuals. And, veterans may qualify for Aid and Assistance programs, which can pay at least some of the costs of assisted living. Please note there are eligibility requirements for government assistance.

We have assisted living communities throughout New Jersey. For more information, please visit http://www.umh-nj.org/

Moving your loved one to Assisted Living? Read Now…

Moving your loved one to an assisted living is an important decision and talking about can be difficult. But remember, even though it is hard, at the end it can reduce stress or the need of an emergency. If you are facing the same problem, follow the below tips:

•    Conduct thorough research
•    Have an open conversation with all of those effected by the decision
•    Talk when all those involved are well rested
•    Call your family physician, clergy member or a family friend to join the discussion
•    Give chance to your loved one to express their desires and concerns
•    Don't expect an immediate decision

Remember it’s important to give your loved one time to assess the matter and understand all the facts. It may even be necessary to have several discussions as you make this decision together.

Making the Transition

The transition to assisted living can be emotionally taxing, even if everyone is in agreement. Supporting your loved one through the transition is crucial. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

•    Don’t ignore their feelings. If your loved one has concerns, take it seriously.
•    Work together to deal with the concerns. While your loved one will likely go through a period of adjustment after moving into an assisted living facility, don’t disregard their complaints as just a part of the transition process.
•    Help your loved one settle in and personalize their space. Select meaningful possessions to give the new living space a touch of home.
•    Stay in regular contact. Even though your loved one is in good care at their assisted living community, you should make it a point to reach out and include them in family outings and events whenever possible. Call or email them regularly.

At United Methodist Homes in NJ our communities provide safety and security with around the clock support and monitoring all while maintaining the dignity and independence of our residents. To learn more about our communities and assisted living services visit http://www.umh-nj.org/.