Monday 30 November 2015

A Look into the Assisted Living Lifestyle at Collingswood Manor

Did you know the street on which Collingswood Manor is located was designated one of the 10 Great Streets for 2009 by the American Planning Association? Or that the Collingswood NJ Farmers’ Market was crowned one of America’s three favorite farmers’ markets by the American Farmland Trust? If not, then there’s probably a lot you don’t know about the lifestyle enjoyed by residents at Collingswood Manor.

Collingswood Manor Assisted Living

The Collingswood assisted living lifestyle is particularly known in the senior community for its’ aging-in-place approach to senior care. Aging-in-place creates an environment that enhances a person’s dignity, choice, independence, stability, and privacy. Additionally, the continuum of care permits residents to have all of their health needs fulfilled right at Collingswood Manor.

Staying Active with Senior Living

The quaint town of Collingswood sets the stage for active and independent senior living. Only walking distance from our assisted living community you will find restaurants, cafes, shops, parks, and the Ballroom and Scottish Rite Theatre among other destinations. Collingswood Manor itself offers a bistro, an elegant dining room, striking rotunda, library, sunroom, expansive porches, butterfly garden, meticulously maintained grounds and so much more. 

Individuals can rediscover life in an environment that offers:
• Picturesque historical local setting
• Shopping & restaurants within walking distance
• Beauty salon/barber shop
• Skilled nurses on site 24/7

If a senior living lifestyle is important to you then visit Collingswood Manor assisted living community today. Our outstanding team of professional caregivers is waiting to meet you. For more information, contact us today or visit http://www.collingswood-manor.umh-nj.org/ 

Monday 23 November 2015

The importance of social events in assisted living communities

When researching assisted living communities, most of us prioritize important things such as the quality of the residential apartments, services offered, quality of care and costs. However, social interaction plays a crucial role in the quality of life of assisted living residents. The Shore’s assisted living community is dedicated to providing residents with the opportunity to lead an abundant life and here’s why:
  • Strengthen relationships: Having a diverse social circle that embraces different activities helps to build new relationships and strengthen established ones, keeping your loved one in touch, and busy and enjoying life.
  • Mental stimulation: Interacting socially with a range of people through different activities provides essential mental stimulation which is key to a healthy, functional brain. Studies show stimulation has been known to help reduce mental decline, lower the risk of dementia-related conditions and depression.
  • Build confidence and trust: Seniors with active social lives are open to trying new things, building new skills and achieving goals – helping to build self-confidence and achieve personal ambitions. By working together with others, relationships are built on a healthy foundation of trust, creating an environment where concerns can be shared and support is available.
  • Increased physical health and reduced stress: Social activities can help seniors stay physically active, maintaining essential muscle strength and actively reducing harmful stress. Exercising in groups – whether in the form of gardening, nature walking or dancing – also helps keep seniors motivated to stay active and healthy.
Experience the social community spirit of United Methodist Homes 
All of UMH’s assisted living communities place a strong emphasis on social  interactions as part of our dedication to providing you or your  aging loved one with the highest quality of life and care. While all activities are optional and seniors can participate as much or as little as they are comfortable with, we aim to deliver  diverse offerings. Our support services minimize daily tasks and free up time for activities such as:
  • Instrumental and vocal performances and choirs
  • Line dancing
  • Yoga
  • Physical fitness classes
  • Family days
  • Book clubs
  • Gardening clubs
  • Church services
  • Bake sales
  • Speakers
  • Card clubs
  • Craft days

The Shores Assisted Living Community

We encourage residents to take advantage of the many recreational activities and social outings sponsored by The Shores. Our location provides an added opportunity for residents to enjoy  the Music pier, Aquatic Center, golf course, beach, fishing, and more. For more information about assisted living at The Shores, please contact us today or visit http://www.the-shores.umh-nj.org/assisted-living-south-jersey/.

Tuesday 17 November 2015

What to Do If You Think Your Parent(s) Need Assisted Living

Realizing your parent or parents need the support of assisted living services is a significant – and often upsetting step for children. After all, the most independent, capable figures in your life are aging and their current lifestyle is becoming too much for them to handle. Further, it can be difficult broaching the subject of assisted living. Below are some useful things to consider when speaking to your parents about assisted living or long term care.

Be objective about your senior’s situation 

First of all, it’s important to properly evaluate your loved one’s situation before you start this important conversation. For example, analyze exactly what it is they are struggling with. Common issues could include:
  • Forgetting to take medication or accidentally overdosing.
  • Letting home or garden maintenance pile up.
  • Forgetting appointments, food on the stove or regular social engagements.
  • Struggling to get upstairs, bathe or do household chores.
These are all areas where practical, easy solutions can be implemented by a professional – from a fully serviced apartment to assistance  with home maintenance and from medical professionals. In many cases, seniors don’t want to ask for help from friends and family because they don’t want to put anyone out. An independent or assisted living community provides safety and security without infringing on independence and dignity.

Why doesn’t your elderly loved one want to move to an assisted living community? 

Many seniors are resistant to moving and dealing with the source of that resistance can help make the move easier. For example, if your loved one is worried about being further away from friends or family, you can assure them you will look for an assisted living community  close by. Understanding the root of their reluctance will help you provide them with a practical solution, as well as assure their happiness and comfort.

Get your senior involved 

Many people, not just seniors, have a certain idea of what assisted living and independent living communities are all about – and they’re usually wrong. Unlike the cold, institutional facilities they’re thinking of, modern independent living communities are far more focused on the comfort, independence and quality of life of their residents.
When you are researching your options, narrow down your search to a few places that offer the kind of support that would best benefit your loved one. First, visit each of these places on your own and get answers to everything you and your loved one are concerned about. Then, bring your loved one for a guided tour of the facilities you think they would best enjoy so they can see for themselves what the community is all about and what they offer. This not only gives your loved one a new perspective on senior living, it also helps them feel more in control of this important decision.

Start slowly 

When it comes to a decision this big, there is no need to rush. If you’ve done a lot of research, simply informing your loved one of your desire for them to move into assisted living can be overwhelming and upsetting to them. Rather, take several months (if needed) to slowly introduce the subject and give them time to raise concerns, talk about different options and get used to the idea. Listen carefully to issues they raise and treat each of them with care and thoughtfulness. It might take some time, many visits to different communities and chats with caring professionals, but it will help you and your parents make the best move forward.

Independent living residences for seniors 

At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, we offer a wide range of tailored support services for aging seniors in an environment which delivers the highest quality of life. Designed to enhance independence, our residential programs will assist your loved one only when and where they require it and scale these services at any point if a higher level of care is needed.
For more information, please contact UMH today and ask about our assisted living communities or visit www.umh-nj.org.

Tuesday 10 November 2015

Six simple and effective health tips for seniors

Staying healthy isn’t just about living longer, it’s about living better too. Keeping active as we age is directly linked to maintaining our quality of life as well as fighting mental and physical conditions. Unfortunately, it can become more and more of a challenge as we get older. Here are some great tips from Pitman Manor senior living community:
  1. Find an activity you enjoy: You’re far more likely to stick with an activity you enjoy, so take some time to explore your options. For example, if you loved hiking in your youth, then regular nature walks with friends and other seniors are a great choice.
  2. Don’t forget about mental exercise: Staying active isn’t just about physical health – mental fitness is just as important. Learning to play bridge, competing in crossword competitions and indulging in Sudoku are ideal mental challenges.
  3. Manage your stress levels: Stress is well known for negatively affecting our mental and physical wellbeing, so finding an effective outlet is a good way to keep your health on track. Many people find physical exercise helpful, while others prefer meditation or yoga. Relaxing social engagements with the people you love and enjoy are great ways to release stress as well.
  4. Good nutrition: It’s never too late to develop good eating habits. Proper nutrition can help fight a wide range of issues seniors often struggle with, from helping to control weight, osteoporosis, blood pressure and diabetes, to reducing your risk of heart disease.
  5. Annual checkups: Regular checkups are key to senior health, helping you stay in control of any health issues and deal with any emerging conditions effectively. Your top priorities should include your eye doctor and dentist, as well as any specialists you require.
  6. Take preventative measures: Falls are among the most common reasons for seniors needing medical treatment and, as we get older, it often becomes harder to heal and bounce back from injuries. Although staying physically healthy is a great way to combat this, removing hazards in your home is vital to preventing injuries in the first place. Rugs that can be tripped over, stairs, poor lighting and bathrooms without grab bars are good examples of hazards which should be dealt with.

Pitman Manor Assisted Living – Simple living, great quality of life 

Pitman Manoris an assisted living community dedicated to helping older adults live full, happy lives. With an active community spirit, great amenities, spacious  studio apartments, expert medical care and tailored support services designed to maximize independence, we’re a welcoming space for seniors to really feel at home.
For more information, please contact us today to schedule a tour or visit http://www.pitman-manor.umh-nj.org/assisted-living-gloucester-county-nj/.