How We Overcame The Challenges of 2020

 

After the year we’ve had, it’s safe to say we all deserve an extra special celebration this New Year’s Eve! However, the one good thing we can say about this year is that the challenges have taught us so much. Some of us learned a new trade skill, while others discovered a whole new perspective on life.

Most of all, this year taught us how to bring our community and residents closer together, therefore showing us that we do have the power to bring about positive change. Here’s how we’ve grown, become stronger, and faced new challenges this year at our independent living community in Sussex County, New Jersey.

Togetherness and community through technology

The teams and residents at UMC at Bristol Glen took to technology like ducks to water, and found new ways to keep seniors connected with family and friends throughout the pandemic. We understand how important social activities are to the mental and physical health of older adults, as well as their quality of life. And with the help of technology like Skype, Zoom, and Teams, we were able to keep our residents engaged with one another and connected to their families outside the community.

Technology also played a great role in keeping our residents entertained and up-to-date with the outside world during quarantine. Museums, galleries, tourist sites and theaters opened their virtual doors during the pandemic, allowing viewers to travel the world, tour natural and man-made wonders, and see magnificent productions from the safety and comfort of their homes via smartphones, computers, and tablets. In this way, our community not only stayed in touch with the outside world, but also grew and explored new sights – thus creating treasured memories during this challenging time.

Exceptional frontline workers in an exceptional community

Safety during the coronavirus became top priority at our independent living community due to the risks the virus poses for adults over 60 years old (especially those with preexisting medical conditions). With that said, one of our proudest recollections of 2020 is our industry-leading standard for infection control, cleanliness and hygiene developed to not only combat COVID-19, but also other infectious outbreaks. UNITEDforSAFETY is our continued commitment to keep the health, well-being, and safety of our residents, associates, and volunteers at the forefront of the UMC experience.

We are also very appreciative of the way our associates, residents, their families and the greater community pulled together under these stressful conditions to prioritize the safety of seniors. First, the understanding given by families who adapted to our protocols and visitation policies  to prevent transmission, which  helped keep COVID-19 cases to a minimum. Followed by the exceptional efforts from our frontline workers to care for and protect seniors in quarantine. We truly have seen, and continue to see the power of the Bristol Glen community coming together. 

True courage seen in the residents of Bristol Glen

Although we won’t be sad to say goodbye to 2020, our residents should be proud of the way they have risen to the many challenges brought on by this year. They  showed true strength and dedication amid  the challenges of COVID-19 and social isolation. Our residents inspire us to keep providing an abundant lifestyle for all seniors. 

We wish all our Bristol Glen residents, families and the surrounding community a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Are you looking for a senior community for your parents or loved one? Bristol Glen is a full-service community that provides individualized care for all residents, while also encouraging the most abundant senior lifestyle. If you want to find out more about our independent living community in Sussex County, New Jersey, please contact us today at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/contact/

Originally posted: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/the-challenges-of-2020/

Stay Optimistic, Stay Positive: Moving into Assisted Living

 

They say, “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” Change is scary, but having the right mindset makes all the difference. This especially reigns true when it comes to moving your loved one into an assisted living community. 

It is a challenge for sure to get everyone on board, but most families who take the leap often find an assisted living community will further help their loved one maintain their independence, while also eliminating the daily stresses of homeownership. While it may take time for your loved to come to this realization as well, having the support of family before, during and after this transition will keep them more open to this new life journey. 

If you are thinking about moving your loved one into assisted living, it’s important to remain optimistic in order to successfully tackle the challenges ahead. Here are some strategies to help you and your senior family member remain positive throughout the transition.

3 key strategies to stay positive before, during, and after the move 

• Keep a constant dialogue of honest communication. It’s strange to admit, but sometimes being too positive is a bad thing. Sure, you can highlight all of the benefits of an assisted living community, but make sure the conversation isn’t one-sided. It’s important to ensure your loved one knows they can come to you with their hard questions, concerns, and fears, and that you will acknowledge them all to the best of your ability.

  Truly listening to your loved one will in turn make them more receptive to listening to you. Keeping the communication open and honest throughout the transition will help you, your loved one, and your family feel more satisfied with the decision in the long run.   

• Figure out a solid packing plan that includes the whole family. Get a head start on sorting through your loved one’s home because it will always take longer than expected. Begin with the smallest room, making “yes” or “no” piles only and continue working your way through each room. It’s important to note that you should not do this alone. It’s too much stress for just one person to take on.
  
  All family members can take turns packing and even driving the moving truck from point A to point B. Not to mention, this will make for a great bonding experience. Your loved one will have the chance to reminisce over the memories associated with each special heirloom and share these stories with the entire family. 

• Know that there will be setbacks, and that’s okay. Just when you think you’ve crossed the finish line, that homesick feeling will kick in for your parent. They will tell you they are sad, lonely, and want to go home. These moments are heart-wrenching and you will definitely start to question if this was the right move. However, knowing ahead of time that this is normal and to be expected will help everyone move past these tough moments more easily.
  
  When this happens, sit with your loved one and talk to them about what they miss. You can’t promise to change their situation, but you can figure out new ways to make their new place feel like home. For example, try to incorporate an old tradition back into their new lifestyle. If your parent used to make pasta on Sundays, bring them a home-cooked meal every Sunday to eat together. 

Building a team at UMC at Collingswood

Perhaps, the most important strategy is making sure you have a team of staff members at the assisted living community to really help with all aspects of the transition. The right staff can and should be a part of your team. At UMC at Collingswood, our associates truly take the time to get to know each resident, as well as their families to build strong relationships. When you first meet our care team, talk to them about your concerns and your parent’s concerns. If your parent is shy or a little forgetful, ask one of our associates to knock on their door and invite them to the dining room or to take part in other social activities happening on the grounds.

If you are concerned about the safety of socialization in regards to COVID-19, assisted living communities like UMC, have responded to this virus with industry-leading health and safety procedures. These guidelines promote safe socialization for residents, associates and families visiting from outside the community. For more information on our COVID-19 guidelines, please read our UNITEDforSAFETY plan in full. 

Making the decision to move into assisted living may not be easy, but our highly-trained associates are available 24/7 to help your parent transition to community living more positively. For more information about assisted living services at Collingswood, or any of our other senior communities across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities and book your visit today.

Originally posted: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/moving-into-assisted-living/

Senior Outreach Opportunities in Pitman, NJ

 

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to stay up to date with the latest technology. Our smartphones, tablets and computers have been a godsend during COVID-19 – giving many people a way to connect with loved ones when they can’t physically be with one another. 

This is especially true for older adults who have to be extra careful, as they are in a higher risk group for contracting COVID-19. However, we cannot dismiss how hard it’s been for older people to avoid seeing family members and friends. Now more than ever, older adults need opportunities to connect with others, as well as the community around them. 

The Senior Outreach Committee in Pitman, NJ has been on top of this, and is constantly providing new activities for seniors to take part in safely during this time. With that said, here is a list of senior resources provided by the outreach committee. 

Online games

One of the greatest ways to connect with family and friends – games! And when it’s not possible to be face-to-face, gaming online is the next best option. This online resource provided by AARP will allow older adults to play the games they enjoy alone or with friends. Mahjong, chess, pool – you name it, they have it. 

Virtual tours of museums, parks and aquariums 

In light of adapting to changing conditions, it’s normal for everyone to have the itch to travel. With travel restrictions still in play, virtual tours are great ways to experience new places. Do they want to see a Hawaii volcano up close? Or would they rather see a live feed of endangered aquatic animals? What about a trip to the Musee d’Orsay in Paris? With these resources, seniors can see it all from the comfort and safety of their own homes.  

Workout videos 

Sitting home and doing the same thing everyday is not good, especially for older adults. It’s important to stay active as we age, in order to minimize health issues and maintain a positive mindset. Regular exercise releases endorphins that make us feel happy, and also help keep us motivated and productive throughout the day. Even though gyms may be open, it’s not the best place for seniors during COVID-19. With that said, this online resource provides workout videos appropriate for seniors who are just looking for extra motivation to stay active while at home. 

Helping seniors connect at our community in Gloucester County

While having access to your local senior outreach committee is great, having resources available directly in your home is even better. Here at UMC, we firmly believe with procedures in place like UNITEDforSAFETY, there’s no reason why seniors living in an assisted living community can’t socialize and have some fun too!

With our health and safety protocols in place since the pandemic hit, we have been able to have socially distant group activities like yoga, meditation and movie nights. Our residents have also been able to participate in “theme days,” such as Root Beer Float Day and National Gorgeous Grandma Day (just to name a few). 

To learn more about events and senior resources at our assisted living community in Gloucester County, New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today. 

Originally posted: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2020/12/28/senior-outreach-opportunities-in-pitman-nj/

Forgetfulness or Dementia?

We all forget things sometimes. It’s why we have reminders on our phones, why we keep post-it notes around the house, and why so many of us use a planner on a daily basis.

You may have noticed that as you get older you tend to forget things more frequently. This is a completely normal part of aging and nothing to be concerned about. But when does forgetfulness become more than just forgetfulness? If you’ve noticed that you’re having more trouble remembering things, or if a loved one is displaying some worrying signs of potential memory loss, it may be time to see a doctor.

What are some of the major differences between forgetfulness and dementia?

Forgetfulness often presents in one or several of the following ways:

• Absentmindedness. Even the most organized people lose focus from time to time. It’s common to forget a scheduled appointment, forget to pick up some of the items on your grocery list, or forget to call your friend back.
• Forgetting some memories over time. As we age, it’s normal to not be able to recall certain memories. Some people have better memories than others, but forgetting some memories is generally not a cause for concern.
• Depression and anxiety can cause people to be more forgetful than usual and sometimes mental health issues can be misdiagnosed as dementia.

Contrarily, there are certain signs that may point to the onset of dementia:

• Major changes in personality. This is different and more severe than simply experiencing mood swings. People experiencing dementia can sometimes exhibit behaviors that are completely out of character for them.
• Forgetting important details and information. Even those of us with bad memories don’t forget things like our mother’s name, our children’s birthdays, and our address. When people have difficulty remembering crucial information it may be time to speak with a doctor.
• Experiencing disorientation when in a new environment. Older adults who are disoriented often appear confused and are unable to fully grasp where they are. Disorientation is worrisome if it happens often in new areas, and even more so in familiar areas.
• A loss of interest in bathing, grooming, and overall appearance, along with an increasingly messy and unsanitary living space.

Memory care in assisted living

When older adults with dementia can no longer remain safe at home, they can benefit greatly from a professional memory care program that provides around the clock support. Memory care programs like Tapestries® have experts who can help manage the onset of dementia, giving residents the highest quality of life in a safe environment. Tapestries® believes in the importance of letting older adults with dementia live life on their own terms, focusing on their individual interests and passions.

Dementia isn’t something that people experience alone. Their entire family goes through it and needs emotional support too. Assisted living communities with memory care residences offer that support to the entire family, and believe in involving them in their loved one’s care. Seniors with dementia fare better when their families are involved, and when they receive complete, comprehensive memory care.

For more information about Tapestries® Memory Care in Gloucester County, or if you have any questions about assisted living, please contact UMC at Pitman today at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/contact/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/forgetfulness-or-dementia/

4 Reasons to Join a Senior Book Club

 

Dr. Seuss once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” And we agree! Reading is a way of experiencing the world; it’s a great opportunity to learn about new cultures, new countries and even new planets. Reading also supports mental and emotional growth, memory recognition, imagination, and the ability to make new friends. 

Joining a book club is one of the best activities to do in the winter, especially with the icy weather keeping you indoors. With that said, here are the top reasons to join a book club that also shed a light on the importance of reading.

1. It’s great exercise for the memory – It’s so unbelievably important to exercise our brains and support memory functions as we age. Reading is one effective way to do this. It also helps fight Alzheimer’s and dementia conditions, not to mention help us remember where we put things (hint – it’s never in the first 10 places you looked). A really great book has the power to activate and exercise short-term memory, the neural network, and your receptiveness to learning.

2. It relieves stress – Stress is one of the biggest issues facing modern society, and it can take a hefty toll on seniors. Feeling stressed and anxious releases cortisol, a hormone that activates our fight-or-flight reflexes. Even low levels of cortisol can increase sugar levels in the bloodstream, cause sleep problems, induce weight gain, trigger headaches and depression, and wreak havoc on digestive systems. So, it really does pay to unwind and escape with a good book often. 

3. It’s social – Although it’s the holiday season, it can feel like a lonely time of year for many seniors. Winter makes travel more difficult due to the weather and COVID-19 restrictions. For seniors whose families are far away, this time traditionally spent together can make the distance even harder to deal with, which makes room for depression to creep in. A stimulating social activity, like a book club, can help prevent this by bringing people together. Whether virtually or socially distant, book clubs can give seniors a consistent opportunity to talk, laugh, connect with one another, and spend quality time together.

4. It opens your world – Seniors have a tendency to feel like their world is getting a little smaller as they grow older. Especially since travel can be expensive, a challenge or simply not possible any longer. For these reasons, seniors tend to stay close to their community of friends and family. Further, current  COVID-19 restrictions add another barrier. But books have the ability to take you anywhere – to Italy in the spring, to a rugged camping adventure across the Appalachian trail, to a period in the past, and even to new worlds that only exist in someone else’s imagination.

 

Let the senior book club at UMC take you places

Our community book club is one of the most popular activities for seniors in Cape May County, NJ, and it’s easy to see why. The book club is designed to match the vibrant energy of our residents, with fantastic picks, socially distant gatherings and discussions on all genres of novels.

The senior book club at UMC at The Shores is just one, out of a range of regularly scheduled activities for our residents. Other activities include Zoom fitness classes, community talks and prayer services which help our residents interact with one another. If you are looking to join a book club or move into a senior community that is all about abundant living, contact UMC at The Shores today at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/contact/

Originally posted: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/4-reasons-to-join-a-senior-book-club/

Step Aside COVID-19, We’re Still Going to Have A Holly, Jolly Christmas

 

COVID-19 may have complicated things this year, but who says it has to steal our holiday cheer? There are still so many options to choose from when it comes to celebrating Christmas in a fun (and above all, safe) way with loved ones. Here’s how UMC at Collingswood is experiencing the magic of Christmas this year! 

 

Resident parties & activities

Our residents’ social calendars are all booked up this December! There will be themed days throughout the month like Disney Day, Winter Blues Day and Tree Trimming Day, to name a few. There will also be fun contests that all assisted living residents can take part in. One of our favorites is the “Resident Door Decorating Contest” where each resident will adorn the front door of their apartment with holiday decorations. Judgement day will be held on the 14th – whoever has the best-looking door may just win a special prize!

All celebrations will incorporate the latest COVID-safety guidelines, to ensure each resident’s health, safety and most of all, enjoyment! One example of how we’re doing this, is to have the resident Christmas parties separated by each floor/neighborhood. This limits the number of people in attendance, therefore reducing the chances of possible exposure. Not to mention, all of our associates and outside vendors are evaluated and must test negative before entering the building. For more information on our health and safety procedures during COVID-19, please visit our website. 

Christmas movies, cookies and hot cocoa – oh my! 

Hands down, one of the best parts of the holidays is to curl up on the couch with hot cocoa and a fresh baked cookie to watch a classic Christmas movie. At Collingswood, we planned ahead and will have a different Christmas movie to watch every Saturday night! We will also have Christmas Pajama Day on the 22nd, when all residents can lounge around in their festive PJs all day and drink as much hot chocolate as their heart desires (within reason)! Not to mention, “cookie of the week” baking throughout the whole month. Our sweet tooths are rejoicing already. 

Virtual & live entertainment

Every month, we have our virtual trivia competition with the Collingswood High School Interact Club, which includes our assisted living residents and the students and teachers of the school.  This time around, the trivia questions will relate to the holiday season! 

We also have several live entertainments scheduled. The residents will stay in the Chapel, while different Christmas carolers will be performing on the front porch. Most importantly, Santa Claus is coming to town! Collingswood residents will be able to take pictures with Santa and create holiday cards with the photos to send to family and friends.  

Celebrating the holidays in our NJ assisted living community

At UMC at Collingswood, we’re committed to making this holiday season special for our residents and their families. This year may look a little different than previous ones, but we are tripling our efforts to make this year memorable, fun and above all, safe!

With that said, we’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very, Merry Christmas. We hope you are finding a way to connect with loved ones safely, and feel a little bit of spirit that makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. 

If you’d like to see if we’re the right assisted living option in Camden County, New Jersey, for your loved one, please contact us today. 

Originally posted: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/christmas-in-collingswood/

 

5 DIY Holiday Decorations to Craft with Family

The holiday season is here! While the 2020 holiday season may not be like any other that we’ve experienced (festive face masks and Santa hand sanitizer, anyone?), there’s still plenty of fun to be had. We all deserve something a bit special this year, especially the seniors that are near and dear to us.

With that said, crafting unique Christmas decorations presents an opportunity to bond with the special older adults in your life (socially distant, of course). Here are some affordable holiday crafting ideas from our assisted living team in Sussex County, New Jersey.

DIY Project #1 – Cupcake Wrapper Garlands

Who doesn’t love cupcakes and Christmas trees? Cupcake wrappers are easy to find at almost every grocery store, and there are some festive options. Here’s what to do:

• Fold your cupcake wrapper in half, then fold in half again to make a triangle shape, keeping the frilly edge at the bottom.
• Repeat with two more cupcake wrappers.
• Stack them one on top of the other, arranging and overlapping them to make the shape of a Christmas tree. Glue each wrapper into place as you work up the tree.
• Glue on a small glittery star or snowflake from your local craft store to make the star on the top of the tree.
• Glue on some twine so that it can be attached to a Christmas tree. Or secure a bunch of cupcake trees onto a line of twine to create a garland for doorways and hallways.

DIY Project #2 – Candle Jars

Candles make any space feel cozy and special, especially when it’s cold and snowy outside. These candle jars are safe, decorative additions that are perfect for a window ledge, fireplace mantle or the Christmas table.

• Collect large mason jars and good-size candles (look for holiday-scented candles for an extra seasonal touch).
• Place small pebbles or beach sand at the base of the jar to help keep the candle stable.
• Place the candle inside the jar, nestled into the small pebbles or beach sand.
• Add cinnamon sticks or dried oranges for extra scent, keeping them around the base of the candle (well away from the flame).

DIY Project #3 – A Festive Table Garland

This is a fun project you can do well in advance of Christmas dinner – and is also an opportunity to go outside for some fresh air.

• Visit your favorite outdoor spots with the kids and grandparents a few days or even a week before Christmas. If you plan on visiting a public tree farm, please call ahead to see if they’re operating under new COVID-19 procedures. 
• Gather pine cones, soft, green pine boughs, holly, and mistletoe.
• Pick the cleanest pinecones to paint in gold, silver or white and keep the rest for the fireplace or to make homemade bird feeders at a later time.
• Get some cheap material to make oversized fabric bows (red and white gingham is a festive option).
• Assemble your table wreath down the center of the table, then mix together the greenery, painted pinecones, bows, and berries to create a natural-looking holiday centerpiece.

The scent from this craft will fill the home for the whole week, and will continue to look fresh for Christmas day.

DIY Project #4 – Christmas Ribbon Ornaments

This is an easy project tailored to young children, and also a great opportunity for them to spend time crafting with their grandparents (even if it’s done virtually).

• Get ribbons from your local craft store. Look for the ones that are already assembled into those traditional, star-shaped gift bows. You can match the colors to your holiday décor for the season.
• Get some Styrofoam balls that are the same size as your other Christmas tree ornaments.
• Glue the ribbons to the Styrofoam balls to cover the entire surface, mixing and matching colors as you go. 
• Tie a piece of twine around the ball and it’s ready to hang on the tree!

DIY Project #5 – Salt Dough Ornaments

Kids love to make classic, affordable salt dough decorations! They are an ideal way to keep everyone busy and let those creative minds fly free. It’s easy to prepare, non-toxic and safe for younger children, too.

• Make your salt dough by mixing 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of water. Mix until it’s properly combined and feels like Play-Doh. 
• Form a ball of dough and knead for 5 minutes, then roll it out to about a ¼ thickness.
• Get a range of festive cookie cutters from your local store and cut out shapes.
• Bake at 200 degrees until the dough is dry and hardened.
• Then decorate them with paint and press-on rhinestones. 
• Once dry, hang them up with twine on your Christmas tree.

With these fun projects to inspire you, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather supplies, and get your closest loved ones together to make this season as joyful as possible.

At UMC at Bristol Glen, we’re committed to making this holiday season special for our residents and their families. If you’d like to find out what we’re doing for the holidays or to see if we’re the right assisted living option in Sussex County, New Jersey, for your loved one, contact us today at: http://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/contact

Originally posted: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/blog/5-diy-holiday-decorations/

How Older Adults Can Manage Chronic Pain

 

Did you know that nearly 20 million people in the United States are living with chronic pain? Those who suffer from it know that pain levels vary from mild to severe. When you’re experiencing a flare up, it can make simple everyday tasks difficult.

Chronic pain can be especially hard for seniors who may already be experiencing limited mobility, or who live alone. If you or a loved one suffer from chronic pain, here are several tips to help manage it.

Identify the stressors in your life and try to manage them. Stress contributes negatively to many existing health conditions and it can make chronic pain worse. While it’s not possible to entirely eliminate stress from your life, it is possible to manage it using methods like meditation, stretching, or listening to calming music. Being aware of what causes you stress is a good first step. Once you identify the catalysts, you can work on managing them one by one.

Review your diet with your doctor. The foods we consume have a huge effect on our body, and foods that cause inflammation can contribute to flare ups and other health problems. Everyone has a different diet, so write down everything you eat for the next two weeks and review the list with your doctor. They can identify any potential inflammatory foods and recommend changes to reduce chronic pain flare ups.

Stay active. It’s very tempting to remain sedentary when experiencing chronic pain, but remaining active, even if it’s a very light exercise, can help. Keeping active is especially important during these colder winter months because it helps your muscles stay strong and your joints healthy, which can reduce overall inflammation. Search YouTube for different low impact exercises like chair yoga, that can be performed in the comfort of your own home.

Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. Chronic pain is stressful and people commonly use alcohol and cigarettes as a way to cope. However, both can make this pain worse and can also contribute to other health problems. If you’re struggling to stop using alcohol and cigarettes, talk to your doctor.

Look into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With the help of a therapist, CBT teaches people with chronic pain to redirect their thoughts during periods of intense pain. CBT is used for a wide range of mental and physical health issues, and improves the overall regulation of emotions associated with pain.

Managing chronic pain with long-term care

Assisted living communities that offer long term care are well prepared to manage chronic pain in older adults. As mentioned above, stress can make chronic pain worse, so these communities do everything possible to meet resident’s medical needs, minimize their stress, and provide a comfortable living space for each one.

At The Shores, we have medical professionals onsite who know the health challenges of each resident. We provide individual attention to those suffering from chronic pain, to ensure this pain does not negatively impact their quality of life.

For more information about long term care in South Jersey, please contact UMC at The Shores today: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/contact/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-older-adults-can-manage-chronic-pain/