Five Signs Your Aging Loved Ones Need Assistance

1. Uncharacteristic neglect of home maintenance/housekeeping: If your loved ones are known for the pride they take in their home and garden, a lapse in this care can be a sign they are no longer coping. Ignoring excess clutter, the garden overgrowth, and home maintenance issues can also increase the risk of falls and injuries in the home. If you suspect they feel overwhelmed, offer to help out with certain tasks, but if your parents can’t seem to regain control over their home it may be time to suggest assisted living.
2. Bills aren’t being paid – or are being overpaid: An occasional lapse or moment of confusion is understandable when it comes to a person’s finances, but if you notice bills starting to pile up or your loved ones making other financial errors, it is right to feel concerned. Managing your own money is a hallmark of independence, so this may be a difficult conversation to have, especially with parents, but it is important to help your parents trust that they can have help handling their finances.
3. Weight loss: This can be linked to a number of issues, such as grief, depression, and fear of driving or leaving the house. Stay on the lookout for spoiled food, empty fridges or an unwillingness to leave the house to run errands such as grocery shopping. Identifying the issue can help your parents manage their health and stress.
4. Uncharacteristic, inappropriate behavior: This covers a wide range of issues from odd conversations, forgetting to dress properly and decreased personal hygiene, to paranoia, accidentally taking too much medication and notably increased forgetfulness (like burning food on the stove, etc.).
5. A serious medical diagnosis: Medical conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s will affect your loved ones’ ability to cope with day-to-day activities and permanent caregiving is key to slowing the condition’s progression and ensuring their quality of life. While you may be able to assist in the early stages, it’s important to remember that qualified professionals such as those at UMH memory care residences are available to provide additional compassion and support.

Adult children are often the best at picking up on these issues and determining whether these behaviors are just personal quirks or something more serious, so remember to rely on your instincts. If you are worried about your parents or aging loved ones, a gentle conversation will help determine if they need help and what support is available.

Compassionate care and community assisted living 

At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, our priority is to deliver affordable, expert assisted living, nursing home care and support services to seniors based on their individual needs. With residential apartments designed for optimal access and mobility, meal programs and 24-hour medical and security services, we help our residents to live independent, full lives. We also have a great selection of social programs, classes, events and trips, as well as customized support services for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents. 

For more information on our assisted living communities and long-term care services, please contact us today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/five-signs-your-aging-loved-ones-need-assistance/

A Guide to Gift Annunities

A charitable gift annuity is a way to make a gift to support the causes that you care about. You make a gift of cash or property to us. In return, we will make payments for life to you, you and a loved one, or another person. Each payment will be fixed and the amount of each payment will depend on the age of the person who receives the payments. After all payments have been made, we will receive the remaining value of your gift to support the causes that matter to you.

The Greater New Jersey Annual Conference in collaboration with the United Methodist Homes of NJ Foundation is able to offer various deferred giving opportunities, like Charitable Gift Annuities, designed to increase your options to support the ministries of your local church, various GNJAC ministry initiatives, and/or the United Methodist Homes of NJ Fellowship Fund.

To read more, download our Guide to Gift Annuities. To learn more about charitable gift annuities, please give us a call at (732) 922-9800 or e-mail foundation@umh-nj.org.

United Methodist Homes Foundation

The United Methodist Homes Foundation, established in 1985, supports the Missional focus of the United Methodist Homes of NJ. Acting as an independent entity, the Foundation helps and enhances the mission, philosophy and ministry of the Homes. It has its own Board of Trustees who govern, establish broad policies and objectives, and oversee financial resources to support the charitable mission of the Homes.

The Foundation conducts various fundraising initiatives including annual and deferred giving, donor cultivation and relationship building programs, special events, and various community engagement opportunities. These efforts help raise financial contributions for to support the charitable mission of the Homes, and our commitment to helping senior citizens.

For more information visit www.umhfoundation.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umhfoundation.org/a-guide-to-gift-annunities/

Questions to Ask When Researching Assisted Living Communities facilities in New Jersey

Moving into an assisted living community is a big commitment and it’s important you and your loved ones feel confident, comfortable and happy with the community you select. Here are some helpful questions to ask when researching different options and help narrow down your search to the right choice:

1. Where is the assisted living communitylocated? Is it close to friends and family? Does your loved one know the area and enjoy it? These questions will help narrow down your geographic search. If your loved one likes the area and has good social and family connections in the neighborhood then the move is likely to be an easier, more positive adjustment for everyone.
2. Can we take a tour? An onsite visit is a great way to meet the staff, find out what they offer and get a general feel for the community. Ask about their services, what the culture is like and what a typical day includes. If your loved one is in fairly good health, don’t skip the more advanced care facilities. In planning for the future, it’s best to ask about dementia and Alzheimer’s care, as well as palliative care, so that you have well-rounded knowledge of all the services they offer.
3. How much does it cost? The cost of assisted living is one of the biggest variables when looking for the right community, especially as healthcare costs have increased dramatically in recent years. As a not-for-profit, United Methodist Homes is committed to being good stewards of our finances and controlling costs. Care costs are calculated after an assessment and based on individual needs and requirements.  Our Fellowship Fund supports our charitable mission and helps to keep our residents in our communities.
4. What are my priorities? This is a question that seniors and caregivers need to ask themselves to help narrow down their search. Does your loved one have Alzheimer’s or dementia? Is he or she looking for a lively, involved community? Do you want a facility that only provides independent living services or one that can meet your loved one’s needs whatever the future holds?
5. What is the reputation of the facility? In order to make an informed decision it’s important to conduct the necessary research.  Be sure to check reviews and find references, and of course, take a tour yourself.

Quality care at United Methodist Homes of NJ 

At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, we prioritize the quality of life, independence and dignity for all our residents. With services designed to meet your loved one’s needs, even as they change, we offer seniors a chance to build a life within our active and welcoming assisted living communities. With a wide range of services and care options, we can assist seniors with anything from day-to-day support to skilled nursing and advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

For more information on our assisted living communities and services, please contact us today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/questions-to-ask-when-researching-assisted-living-communities-facilities-in-new-jersey/

How Assisted Living Enhances Your Quality of Life

Quality of life is one of the leading concerns for seniors and their families when looking into assisted living facilities. When your health needs are changing and your day-to-day tasks are becoming more challenging, you’ll likely start to look at these communities – but what can they really offer you?

• Independence: The ability to live your life as you’d like – a priority in each of our lives -- is a priority in assisted living. At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, we aim to give our residents the perfect balance between support services and an active lifestyle filled with independence, privacy and the opportunity for social activities and engagement.
• Physical safety: Our communities and residences are designed especially for seniors, providing easy access and mobility and reducing the risks of falls and injuries. In addition, there is medical staff on duty 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide rapid, professional care if needed.
• Mental and physical stimulation: Our communities offer specialized programs which provide a wonderful level of mental and physical stimulation, including gyms, educational classes, off-site trips, clubs, cultural activities and guest lectures. These activities help build  strong community relationships and are organized in a way that allows each person to choose their level of participation.
• Day-to-day assistance: Often, household chores can become more challenging and time-consuming as we age. In order to free up your time for more important and enjoyable activities, our staff can assist you. This includes laundry services, household cleaning services and dining choices.
• Transport: Outings to shops, social events and more are all organized and taken care of by our fully-trained and friendly staff. This gives you the freedom to carry out social and other appointments easily and safely, without having to worry about transport.
• Scalable services: All our services are tailored to individual needs and requirements and can be upgraded as and when they are needed. This lets you choose exactly how much assistance you need from our caregivers and maintain an independent lifestyle. It also means that should you require more support, you can access it easily without having to relocate.

Enjoy life to the full in assisted living 

UMH has assisted living communities across New Jersey dedicated to maintaining the independence and dignity of your elderly loved one for as long as possible. Our full continuum of services and social programs ensure residents receive the support needed and also get involved with the community at a level comfortable for you. For more information, please contact us today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/how-assisted-living-enhances-your-quality-of-life/

How Your Appreciated Assets Can Pay Off At Retirement

The Foundation conducts various fundraising initiatives including annual and deferred giving, donor cultivation and relationship building programs, special events, and various community engagement and volunteer opportunities. These efforts help raise financial contributions for to support the charitable mission of the Homes. There are many ways our community can help further our commitment to helping our seniors, and our mission of the Homes.

One of the many ways to help the foundation is through your appreciated assets. The tax code provides incentives for Americans to save today in order to meet the financial needs of the future. Each of these plans (like the IRA and 401(k)) deliver tax benefits in return for a decision that, in effect, defers access to income.

The charitable planning strategy known as the deferred gift annuity has four benefits you won’t find in other retirement plans.

1. A charitable income tax deduction
2. Partial bypass of capital gains tax on appreciated stock
3. Partly tax-free income
4. A gift to charity

To read more, download our Plan for the Future.

To learn more about charitable gift annuities, please give us a call at (732) 922-9800 or e-mail foundation@umh-nj.org.

United Methodist Homes Foundation

The United Methodist Homes of New Jersey Foundation, established in 1985, supports the Missional focus of the United Methodist Homes. Acting as an independent entity, the Foundation helps and enhances the mission, philosophy and ministry of the Homes. It has its own Board of Trustees who govern, establish broad policies and objectives, and oversee financial resources to support the charitable mission of the Homes.

For more information contact us today or visit www.umhfoundation.org.

This content was originally published at http://www.umhfoundation.org/how-your-appreciated-assets-can-pay-off-at-retirement/

How to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia which primarily affects the parts of the brain that control memory, resulting in progressive and permanent neurological damage. The disease affects more than 5 million Americans. While research continues to bring us closer to effective treatments, there are additional steps that patients, their families and caregivers can take to help fight this condition.

1. Physical exercise: Engaging in a healthy amount of physical activity has significant health benefits for the brain as well as the heart, vascular system and body’s physical strength. Studies have shown that exercise can stimulate the brain’s ability to maintain older neural networks as well as stimulate new connections. It’s recommended that people over 65 years of age do 40 minutes a day of aerobic (e.g., walking or water aerobics) or non-aerobic exercise (e.g., stretching and toning muscles) to experience the full benefits.
2. Mental exercise: A healthy body is important, but so is an active mind. Just like a muscle, the brain needs to be regularly challenged in order to maintain a healthy level of cognitive function. Stimulation is also vital to maintaining cognitive pathways and building new connections. Some of the best forms of mental stimulation include reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing games, social interaction and social activities such as going to museums or community events.
3. Diet: Research has shown that certain foods can help keep the brain healthy while others can be harmful to cognitive health. A diet rich in lots of fruit, fish oil, legumes, vegetables (especially broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables) and whole grains is recommended. Foods such as saturated fats and refined carbohydrates (like white sugar) should be avoided, as studies indicate these foods may assist cognitive decline, especially in the areas of the brain focused on learning and memory.
4. Early diagnosis: Knowing the signs of early onset Alzheimer’s, working on mental and physical health, as well as having access to professional and medical assistance will help ensure your loved one is kept comfortable, healthy and independent for as long as possible. An early diagnosis will allow caregivers to start implementing the best measures available as soon as possible.

Memory care and support services at UMH New Jersey 

Housed in Assisted Living, the memory care and support residences at UMH are specially designed to support individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. By focusing on  customized care plans and activities within our comfortable apartment-style communities, we maximize your loved one’s dignity and quality of life .

To find out more about our services for Alzheimer’s residents, please contact UMH today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/how-to-fight-alzheimers-disease/