How To Manage Multiple Chronic Health Conditions

 

Did you know that many seniors are living with three or more chronic health conditions? Some of the most common include diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and osteoporosis, all of which require different treatment plans and different medications. Managing multiple health issues means that you have to become your own advocate, from monitoring how you feel when taking a new medication, to ensuring your treatment plans aren’t too confusing, to scheduling regular check-ups with your specialists. 

Being your own advocate while managing several chronic health conditions can be overwhelming, confusing, and stressful, but it’s essential that you take control of your treatment and your medications to avoid any complications. Here are three actions you can take to get started: 

Tell Your Doctor Right Away if a Treatment Doesn’t Seem to be Working or is Causing Problems

You are the only person who truly knows how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Medications for certain health conditions often come with side effects, and it’s important to pay attention to how these medications make you feel. It’s also important to note if you don’t feel your medications are helping to alleviate your symptoms, and it’s something your doctor should know as soon as possible. 

If a certain medication or treatment is making you feel sick, or you suspect it’s negatively interacting with one of your other medications, please call your doctor and let them know what’s happening. If it helps, you can make a list of your medications and how you feel after taking each one, or how you feel after taking all of them together, and share that list with your doctor. 

Speak up if the Treatment Plan is too Complicated, Confusing, or Unclear

We always recommend asking for clear, written instructions for any treatment plan before leaving your doctor’s office. Your doctor should give you all the necessary information, including when to take your medications, whether or not to take them with food or a drink, and which medications can be combined and which cannot. If you’re managing multiple chronic health issues and you’re taking several medications, your treatment plan can easily become too confusing. If this happens, speak up and ask for clarification along with a simpler plan. 

Tell the Doctor About Priorities for Care

If you’re helping your senior parent manage their health conditions, tell their doctor about their lifestyle, the things that are important to them, and what makes them most comfortable. For example, if your dad loves taking a long morning walk, he will want to avoid taking any medications in the morning that can make him feel drowsy. It’s important to understand how each medication will impact your parent’s existing lifestyle and hobbies.          

When a recommended medication comes with possible side effects that interfere with your senior parent’s lifestyle, ask their doctor about alternatives. There are alternatives to some medications that simply work in different ways and result in different side effects. Sometimes it’s a matter of trial and error, and it’s essential to know the full list of potential side effects before giving your parent something new to take.

If you have any questions about how to manage multiple chronic health conditions, or if you’d like more information about our long term care in New Jersey, please contact our team at UMC today: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/chronic-health-conditions/

3 Truths About Assisted Living

 

It’s important for everyone to speak their truth. That’s why we must speak ours, as it can help people who are considering the move to an assisted living community! If your parent or loved one is reaching a point in which living in their own home is no longer the best option, it may be time to really weigh this out. A community setting that specializes in senior care can provide the necessary support mom or dad needs, while also keeping them safe and healthy. Not to mention, an assisted living community like UMC at Collingswood provides residents with many opportunities to socialize through a variety of activities, groups, and classes onsite. If mom or dad needs a little more convincing, here are 3 truths about assisted living that everyone should know.

Truth #1: You can still live an independent life in assisted living. The biggest gripe that a lot of seniors have with assisted living is feeling that they are losing their independence and conforming to a group schedule. This notion couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is, with assisted living communities like Collingswood, seniors have the choice to direct their life the way they want to. They can be as involved or uninvolved with community life as they please. Seniors can pick and choose which activities to participate in and associates are available 24/7 to assist as needed by each resident.

Truth #2: Care is scaled to your needs – not the other way around. In a full-service senior community, there are varying levels of care available under one roof. This means if your care needs to change, your address doesn’t have to. Our assisted living community in Camden County offers more comprehensive care if needed like skilled nursing, short-term rehab and professional memory care. However, say mom is super independent and only needs help with cleaning and meal prep – our associates respect each resident’s preferences and will provide assistance as required.

Truth #3: You will not be confined to your room – there is tons to do in assisted living! As we briefly touched on earlier, there are many things to do at a thriving senior community. Dad does not have to sacrifice his love for Black Jack and game nights once he moves into assisted living. Mom does not have to give up gardening even though she is moving to a new space. The right assisted living community will have a diverse roster of interests to satisfy every resident that moves in. UMC at Collingswood residents enjoy live entertainment, game nights, gardening clubs, dance classes, and group meditation – just to name a few of the many activities offered onsite.

Assisted Living at United Methodist Communities in Collingswood, NJ

Choosing the right assisted living community for your parents is a huge decision for your family. With that said, it’s important to know all the truths before making the move. At UMC at Collingswood, we’re committed to providing your loved one with a senior living experience that enhances all aspects of their well-being – mind, body, and soul. Our team is available to answer any questions you and your family may have about assisted living, so you can ensure UMC is the right fit for mom or dad.

If you’d like to learn more about our senior care services in Camden County, New Jersey, for your loved one, please call us today to schedule a personal tour or visit our website at:

https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/3-truths-about-assisted-living/

3 Things You Should Never Say to Your Aging Parents

 

Whether your aging parents live with you, or you live near each other, it’s no secret that our lives change drastically as we get older. The transition from your middle-aged years to your senior years can be a difficult one, because this phase of life is often accompanied by changes in independence, changes in mobility and ability, and a new set of health concerns. 

We always recommend showing empathy and compassion to your aging parents, even in those moments when they frustrate you. Getting older isn’t easy, and as their child they will undoubtedly lean on you more and more as they age. Here are some of the most common things people say to their aging parents that we recommend you avoid, including our advice on how to approach the situation in a kinder way. 

“You Always Tell Me the Same Story!”

We’re all guilty of repeating our favorite stories every once in a while, and sometimes older adults forget that they’ve already shared something. But when you say “You’ve already told me this,” what your parent hears is that you don’t care enough to listen to them. It may be one of their favorite memories or they might have forgotten that they’ve shared it with you before. Either way, dismissing them and shutting them down is not the recommended response. 

Instead, ask them a few leading questions in an attempt to get them to share a new memory with you. Stick to positive questions and happy memories, and tell your parent that you appreciate them sharing something new with you. You might even want to record these memories so you’ll have these special moments to look back on forever. 

“You Shouldn’t Live Alone Anymore.”

Seniors are extremely wary of losing their independence. Unfortunately the cliches and fears about assisted living communities are still very prevalent, and aging parents are known to be stubborn when it comes time to discuss alternative living arrangements. When you say “You shouldn’t live alone anymore”, what your parent hears is that they’re about to lose their independence. It’s no wonder that senior adults protest these conversations. 

Rather than tell them you don’t want them to live alone anymore, we recommend framing the conversation as: “I’m concerned something might happen to you, or you might need help when I’m not around.” If your parent isn’t interested in visiting a modern, activie assisted living community, remember that assisted living is not the only choice. You and your parents can work together to create a support network of people who can regularly check in on your parents, or you may want to invest in a certified home health aide to come to their home several days a week. Security alert systems are also popular with older adults who live alone, but discuss all the options with your parents and see how they feel. 

“You’re Too Old to Drive.”

Losing the ability to drive is a big part of losing independence, especially if your parents don’t have access to public transportation. When adult children try to have this conversation with their aging parents, they’re often met with protests, and their parents will insist that they are perfectly fine to drive. However, the reality is that driving can be dangerous for seniors with certain mobility restrictions, certain health conditions, or who are on certain medications. 

We recommend seeking advice from your parents’ physician, because hearing it from a professional can often have a different effect than hearing it from your child. Doctors and physical therapists are prepared to have this conversation and can help your aging parents understand the serious consequences of driving when they no longer should. 

If you have any questions about how to best help your aging parents, or if you’d like more information about our senior living communities in NJ, please contact our team at UMC today: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/aging-parents/

The Mission of UMC Bristol Glen

 

When you’re looking for an assisted living community or a space for your loved one to receive memory care, the most important thing you can do is get to know your provider. Understanding their mission and values, and how they make these a reality, will show you the kind of care your loved one will get, what their daily life will be like in the community, and how they will be cared for. That’s why we’ve decided to tell you all about UMC at Bristol Glen, a leading assisted living community in Sussex County, NJ!

Our Mission and Values

Throughout the more than 100 years that United Methodist Communities has been around, we’ve always been about one thing – helping seniors live a full, abundant life. That means providing seniors with every amenity and service they may need and then letting them and their families play a leading role in how this care is delivered. From choosing the time you want your breakfast, whether or not you want spiritual care, and the extent to which you want to participate in our social community, the power to choose – and live independently – is in the hands of your loved one.

We also strive to create a homey experience that’s very different to what many people think of when they consider assisted living! We work to create a balance between meeting assisted living residents’ needs and encouraging the independence they deserve. While all the support your loved one needs can be delivered in a secure environment by trained staff, we’ve worked hard to make our space feel like a caring community and comfortable home.

Abundant Care, Set in Nature’s Beauty

One of the things we are most proud of, other than our resident-directed approach to care, is our beautiful grounds. Sussex County is one of the most beautiful places in New Jersey, and Newton, the bustling small town that Bristol Glen calls home, has sweeping views of the Kittatinny Valley, one of the most scenic parts of the Great Appalachian Valley. With an abundance of green spaces and a love of nature, it’s a picturesque but not remote area for senior living. Our residents have full access to the amenities of the town, including shops, museums, churches, libraries, and galleries, while enjoying some of the country’s most beautiful natural scenery.

In terms of dementia care, we offer an industry-leading memory care program called Tapestries, which provides specialized support for seniors with cognitive health issues. With trained teams to provide supervision, therapists to support cognitive health, and beautiful facilities, seniors are supported in maintaining as much independence as possible while still remaining safe and secure.

Visit Bristol Glen and You Won’t Want to Say Goodbye!

At UMC at Bristol Glen, a CCRC in Sussex County, NJ, we offer beautiful, spacious apartments that are fully functional for limited mobility residents while being stylish and welcoming. We also offer Tapestries Memory Care for seniors with dementia conditions and strive to assist every resident to live a fulfilling and abundant life.

If you want to find out more about assisted living in New Jersey and Tapestries Memory Care in Sussex County, NJ, you can view our community virtual tours, read about our services, and much more all on our website at: https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/the-mission-of-umc-bristol-glen/

The Best Vitamins for Seniors

 

The body changes as we age – there’s no getting around it! Here are the most important vitamins and supplements that seniors might need, from our assisted living community in South Jersey. As always, be sure to check with your doctor first before you start taking anything new!

Why do Seniors Often Need Vitamins and Supplements?

Ideally, we’d get all of our necessary vitamins and nutrients from plenty of fresh food in a balanced, nutritious diet, but that’s not always achievable for seniors. In fact, the most common reasons why seniors may need supplements to stay healthy include:

• Reduced exposure to sunlight, leading to a lack of vitamin D
• Bones becoming more brittle with age
• Appetite loss due to medication, illness, or aging
• Medications flushing out vitamins and minerals before they can be absorbed fully
• Medical conditions suppressing the body’s immune system or ability to absorb vitamins
• Not cooking or eating a balanced diet as they age
• Bodies becoming less efficient at absorbing vitamins due to age

What vitamins do seniors typically need?

Again, always check with your doctor before taking supplements – this will make sure they don’t interfere with medical conditions or medications, and that they are the right ones your loved one needs in the right concentration. With that said, the following supplements are usually at the top of the list:

• B Vitamins – B12, B6, and B9 vitamins are very important for nerve and blood cell health, as well as supporting brain health. Good sources other than supplements are dairy products, eggs, fish, and leafy greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and beans.
• Calcium – This helps keep bones strong and teeth healthy, and is especially important for older seniors and seniors with bone density conditions. It’s also found in dairy products, dark leafy greens, and calcium-fortified cereals.
• Vitamin D – Another great supplement for bone health is vitamin D, which also helps reduce risks of diabetes, heart disease, and inflammation. You can also find it in fortified cereals, dairy products, and fatty fish like tuna and salmon. To activate this vitamin, it’s important to expose your skin to gentle morning or afternoon sunlight for an hour or so each day.
• Magnesium – This mineral is important for nerve and muscle health, as well as supporting the immune system. Magnesium also supports muscle recovery during physical therapy and fosters a healthy heart rhythm. There’s lots of magnesium in whole grains, dark leafy greens, avocados, lentils, and nuts.
• Potassium – This is a very important supplement because we don’t produce it naturally in our bodies. It supports nerve function, energy levels, brain function, and healthy heart rhythms, and without it we can feel constipated, fatigued, have muscle spasms, and can experience heart palpitations. Good foods with potassium include bananas, avocados, beets, butternut, acorn squash, and apricots.

At UMC at The Shores, a part of the United Methodist Communities network, we offer a welcoming community for seniors of all levels of independence – and we also have a dedicated memory care program for elderly residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia conditions.

We aim to create a warm, active community where seniors get the support that they need to live an abundant life, from well-appointed apartment-style homes and attractive grounds to a vibrant social calendar. We also have a wonderful community dining space preparing healthy, delicious meals! Contact us today to chat more about assisted living in Cape May County, or visit our website at

https://umcommunities.org/theshores/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/the-best-vitamins-for-seniors/

How Assisted Living Socialization Can Improve Your Health

 

Socializing is fun for most extroverted people, but did you know it’s a necessity as we grow older? Making time to be social has been proven to have positive effects on both our mental and physical health. Socializing also reduces negative feelings that are all too common to the senior population, like loneliness, anxiety, hopelessness, and depression. However, being social can be hard if you’re living away from family and are not a part of a senior community filled with individuals with like-minded interests. If you or a loved one are contemplating a move into assisted living, here are some ways socializing in assisted living can have a positive impact on your health.

Less stress. Seniors who are socially active in assisted living handle stress better and actually experience fewer stressors in general. In assisted living communities like UMC at Pitman, associates are onsite 24/7 to help residents with daily activities like cleaning, meal preparation, and getting ready for the day. With daily chores taken care of and the relinquishing of homeowner responsibilities, seniors in assisted living have less to worry about and more time to relax and do the things they enjoy.

Improved diet. As we briefly mentioned, staff members in assisted living are available to help residents with meal preparation. It’s also important to note that most progressive assisted living communities offer nutritious meal plans, meaning residents have the opportunity to eat three square meals a day in a community dining area. Sharing a meal with friends not only boosts morale but also motivates seniors to eat better.

More opportunities to workout. Assisted living communities often have spaces dedicated to working out. Whether it’s a state-of-the-art fitness center or a room designated for group classes like yoga, a thriving community knows the importance fitness has on a senior’s physical and mental health. UMC in particular offers fun classes residents can take as a group, such as Zumba, chair yoga, and mindfulness. We find that these group classes are also essential for socialization. Senior residents keep each other accountable by making sure their friends come to weekly classes and even make plans to grab something to eat together after the class ends.

Better state of mind. Mental health issues in seniors are not something to be taken lightly. Older adults who are not socially active often experience cognitive decline and depression. Consistent social interaction helps keep dementia, depression, and anxiety symptoms at bay. Despite some seniors’ initial resistance, assisted living communities are actually the best place to find consistent socialization due to their heavy emphasis on activity calendars. For example, UMC at Pitman offers daily fitness classes, fun themed days, arts and crafts, live outdoor entertainment, and clubs dedicated to specific interests like reading. With so many opportunities to socialize, it becomes easier for seniors to establish a social routine they love and more importantly – to stick with it.

Active Community Life in Gloucester County, NJ

Making the transition to assisted living can be an adjustment, but when you retire in a great town like Pitman, NJ, you’ll be sure to find that making new friends comes easily with all the fun activities available onsite. Our assisted living residents also have access to all the activities the surrounding community offers, through onsite transportation options.

If you’d like to see if we’re the right assisted living option in Gloucester County, New Jersey, or would like more information about our active community life, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/how-assisted-living-socialization-can-improve-your-health/

ADA-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

 

Whether Dad is hard of hearing, has poor eyesight, or has trouble remembering to take his medicine, the medical marketplace has an ADA gadget for that. For those who may be unfamiliar with the acronym, ADA compliance is short for the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. When something is labeled as ADA-friendly, all that means is that all the electronic information and technology associated must be accessible to those with disabilities. From amplified telephones with big numbers, to fall alert systems and even software that will read your computer screen to you, tech has come a long way in making life for seniors a lot easier. Here’s a few of the best ADA-friendly appliances and gadgets to consider investing in for your senior loved one.

ADA Refrigerators

ADA refrigerators are just as appealing as other ranges, but with a few tweaks and extras that make them ideal for seniors with mobility issues. Two of the most enticing features are the refrigerator controls being positioned 15-18 inches from the floor so they’re well within arm’s reach, and the easy one-handed operation that requires less than 5lbs of pressure to open. Another great feature is that 100% of fresh food storage space and 50% of frozen food storage space is below 54 inches. This allows anyone with a wheelchair to easily reach the majority of the items and also limits the need to bend, or stretch to reach if you have limited mobility. 

ADA Dishwashers

These dishwashers offer quiet operation, so they don’t create noise even in smaller living spaces, are around 32 inches tall for easier access, and all controls can be easily accessed at the front of the machine with just one arm. They are compact, making these dishwashers an ideal option for smaller kitchens, plus they clean and dry dishes just as effectively!

ADA Ranges and Cooktops

For cooktops, the forward reach required to operate the cooktop is between 15-48 inches for easy access. The controls can be operated with just one hand, and they are easy to move to prevent pinching or strain on joints. Some have insulated knee spaces below the cooktop to assist people in wheelchairs, and you don’t have to reach across burners to turn them on or off. For ranges, the requirements for reach are similar and controls are easily accessible, without requiring more than 5lbs of force to turn more comfortably.

ADA Telephones

Thanks to the ADA, there are a wide range of home phones for anyone with mobility or sensory difficulties. This includes phones with automatic captions, larger screens for easy reading or  assisted technology that reads out text messages and provides braille or speech access.

Smartwatches

Smartwatches aren’t just trendy, they’re senior and ADA-friendly too! They can be programmed with medication alerts and fall alerts, have GPS tracking for safety, track fitness, and give you health statistics to track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation and much more. Not to mention, seniors can also answer any calls through their smartwatch. 

Benefits of a Home Health Aide

Of course, one of the best ways to make the home and lifestyle of your loved ones more senior and ADA-friendly is having a home health aide. With a little professional, compassionate assistance, seniors are:

• More independent – Everyday tasks are much easier with a helping hand! From bathing and grooming to making meals and dressing, having a home health aide keeps seniors in familiar surroundings and living an independent life.

• Safety – Home health aides are trained to actively prevent safety incidents, from falls in the home to forgetting to lock doors at night. With a companion around, safety risks are much lower – and you have a trained professional on hand if anything were to go wrong.

• Reduced risks of hospitalization – For elderly and disabled seniors, health risks are a real concern. Not only are they more likely to fall or become ill, they also face a higher risk of hospitalization to overcome these issues. A home health aide will keep an eye on any health concerns to make sure they get treatment quickly when an illness develops and before it becomes too severe to require hospitalization.

• Companionship – Disabilities and reduced mobility can leave seniors feeling isolated, scared to leave their home, and lonely. A home health aide can provide the support they need to be more active and social in a safe way, from driving them to social events to providing companionship at home.

Home health care for seniors from UMC HomeWorks

At-home care is an ideal service for disabled seniors or seniors who need assistance at home but don’t want to move into assisted living. These services, provided by United Methodist Communities HomeWorks, ensure that seniors get the necessary support and companionship to stay healthy and lead a fulfilling life in the comfort of their own home and community. 

 

Call us today to find out more about home health care for seniors with UMC HomeWorks, or visit our website at:

https://umcommunities.org/homeworks

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/ada-friendly-appliances-for-your-home/

Your Diet and Parkinson’s disease

 

Did you know there is research that demonstrates a link between diet modifications and being able to better control symptoms of Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s is a common degenerative neurological disorder that affects around one million people in America, most of them over the age of 60. It’s recommended that seniors who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease take action to remain strong and healthy, because research has shown improving diet and lifestyle habits can positively impact symptoms, as well as slow the overall progression of the condition. 

Prioritizing exercise and making diet modifications have the potential to help people with Parkinson’s:

• Enhance their overall quality of life
• Remain healthier for longer 
• Avoid secondary Parkinson’s symptoms like constipation
• Improve mobility and balance

It’s important to remember that with a disease like Parkinson’s, there is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Please speak with your doctor before making any major changes to your lifestyle and your diet. Your doctor should also be able to give you advice on how to best manage any uncomfortable symptoms you are experiencing. 

Prioritizing Overall Health

You can take simple steps to start improving your overall health. Here are few ideas to discuss with your doctor:

• Limit your sugar intake. We all have cravings for something sweet every now and again, and when it comes to eating or drinking sugary treats, moderation is key. Too much sugar is also bad for your teeth, so we recommend limiting intake of sugary foods and drinks. 
• Limit your salt and sodium intake. Many processed foods contain high salt and sodium levels that can lead to high blood pressure.
• Avoid trendy diets or fad diets that eliminate major food groups. You need a well-balanced diet to stay as healthy as possible.
• Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. If you aren’t already eating these types of foods, try incorporating them into two of your daily meals. 
• Be aware of how much alcohol you drink. Some alcoholic beverages contain lots of calories and are high in sugar. Plus, alcohol can negatively interact with certain medications. 
• Incorporate foods high in antioxidants into your diet. Blueberries, strawberries, red cabbage, pecans, artichokes, spinach, red grapes, and kale are just a few of the antioxidant-rich foods you can add to your diet. 
• If you don’t already, start exercising. Movement is essential, especially as we age and encounter certain health challenges. Find a physical activity you enjoy, like walking or swimming, and do it on a regular basis. 

Easing Symptoms and Optimizing Medications

If you’re experiencing certain symptoms and side effects from your medications, ask your doctor about lifestyle and diet changes you can make now to help ease them. Many seniors with Parkinson’s disease incorporate the following steps into their daily lives, which promote bone strength, digestion, reaching an optimal weight, and general health:

• Follow the directions on your prescription medications. If you need to take certain medications with a meal, a snack, or a full glass of water, be sure you are following the instructions. 
• Drink a minimum of six glasses of water every day. Dehydration is a serious issue and can make you feel much worse. 
• Eat foods that are rich in fiber, like whole grains, beans, fruits, and brown rice. 
• Ask your doctor about increasing your Vitamin D intake through foods like fish and egg yolks.

If you have any questions about how to manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease through diet and lifestyle changes, or if you’d like more information about our long term care programs in NJ, please contact our team at UMC today: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/parkinsons-diet/

 

Objects in Motion, Stay in Motion

Newton’s first law of motion is true for everything and everyone – and seniors are no exception. If you want to continue to maintain your mobility, you need to keep moving! Here are a few easy exercises to help keep you fit and mobile from our team of home health aides at UMC HomeWorks.

Benefits of Exercising in Your Senior Years

Active seniors see many benefits from regular exercise. Despite any preconceived notions, just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day is more than enough for you to reap the benefits below.

• Better balance – Falling when you’re young usually isn’t a big deal, as we bounce back quickly even if we fracture or break something. Unfortunately, falling can be much more serious when we’re older. Physical exercise helps improve balance, prevent falls, and makes day to day life easier and safer.

• More energy – Being active releases endorphins that counteract the effects of stress and even help reduce pain. This can help you sleep better at night and feel more lively during the day. Having more energy also means you don’t get tired as quickly when you’re having a walk, playing with the grandkids, or have a jam-packed day.

• Better sleep – The tiredness we get from being physically active is a good kind of tiredness, where our body is flooded with happy endorphins and ready to relax. This helps improve sleep quality and can prevent insomnia, which is a very common issue for seniors.

• Disease prevention and management – Physical exercise helps prevent and manage a wide range of health conditions that affect seniors, from diabetes and heart disease to high blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, anxiety, and osteoporosis. If you do have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor first to get some guidance on the right way to exercise to get the most benefit.

Exercises for seniors to do at home

What’s even better is that you don’t need to join a gym to get fit! Here are some of the best exercises you can do right in the comfort of your own home.

• • Resistance band workouts – Using a rubber resistance band, you can exercise almost any area of your body for a simple and inexpensive workout. These are best used for leg presses, tricep presses, bicep curls, isometric exercises, and lateral raises. If that sounds complicated, we promise it’s really not! Here’s a useful exercise video to guide you.
  • Pilates – Yes, pilates isn’t just for youngsters – in fact, it was first developed as a physical rehabilitation practice for injured soldiers. It focuses on building up your core strength – that’s your torso, thighs, and shoulders – to keep your core strong and prevent injuries while you move. Sometimes these classes use a large ball or resistance band, but you can also just use a yoga mat, like in this useful pilates video.
  • Walking – Not only is going for a walk free, but it also has the advantage of fresh air, and nature too! Make sure you have good quality, supportive shoes, and an outdoor walking stick if you need one. It’s also a good idea to walk with a group, as it’s a great way to make friends, get to know different trails in your area, and explore the neighborhood.

• Swimming and water aerobics – Working out in the pool is a great way to stay cool – and your joints will love it too. It’s the best low impact workout for your body and exercising gently will give you good results. Swimming helps improve muscle tone, range of motion, lung health, and more. And if you don’t have a pool at home, you can always visit a loved one or use your local gym.

Home health aides for seniors in New Jersey

Looking for at-home support for your senior loved one? The United Methodist Communities HomeWorks program is designed for seniors who want more assistance in daily life, while still enjoying the comfort of home and the community they grew up in. 

 

To find out how we can help you live an abundant and independent life as a senior through at-home care, please contact us today to learn more about our home health aide services or visit our website at: 

https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/at-home-care/objects-in-motion-stay-in-motion/

How to Respond to Dementia Hallucinations

 

If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, they may experience seeing, hearing, or tasting something that isn’t really there. These experiences are known as dementia hallucinations. It’s important to remember that even though a hallucination isn’t real, it’s incredibly real to your loved one who is experiencing it. Keeping your loved one safe and reassured during their hallucinations is essential, and in this article our team will discuss how to best respond to dementia hallucinations. If you have any questions or need support from a memory care professional, please contact us. 

Determine if a Response is Needed

When you hear the word “hallucination” it might conjure up negative images in your mind, and that’s probably because many movies and TV shows often depict hallucinations as scary and violent. In reality, some people experience pleasant and positive hallucinations, and if this is the case for your loved one, is there really a need to interrupt them? 

If your loved one isn’t trying to harm themselves or someone else, and if they don’t seem upset or emotionally distraught, it’s probably not necessary to interrupt their positive dementia hallucination. It can be confusing for you because they may not be able to verbalize what they are seeing, hearing, feeling, or tasting, but you can usually gauge the nature of the hallucination by observing  your loved one’s body language, emotions, and breathing.  

Stay Calm and Don’t Argue or Try to Convince Using Logic

While it can be scary to watch your loved one experience a dementia hallucination, it’s important that you stay calm and don’t argue with them. For example, if they’re having a visual hallucination and they’re seeing a huge spider on the wall, telling them there is no spider won’t help the situation at all. Their brain is telling them that the spider is there, and that it’s real, so arguing with them can sometimes make them feel even more agitated. 

We understand that it’s difficult to understand dementia hallucinations for those of us who have never experienced them, but we recommend staying calm. Ask your loved one questions about what they are experiencing. For example, ask what the spider is doing: Is it trying to hurt them? Is it just minding its own business on the wall? Most importantly, remember to resist the urge to argue with them or tell them that what they are experiencing isn’t real; Hallucinations are extremely real to the people who have them. 

Validate Their Feelings and Provide Reassurance

When your loved one is experiencing a dementia hallucination, your first thought is probably something like “How can I stop this, and how can I prevent this from happening again?” Unfortunately, hallucinations are a part of dementia. While you can’t stop them or prevent them, you can validate your loved one’s feelings and provide reassurance so they feel safe and understood. 

We never recommend being dismissive of your loved one, or minimizing what they are going through. Saying something like, “Stop being silly, there’s nothing there!” is not helpful and can cause your loved one to feel even more upset. Instead, sit with them and ask them questions about what they are experiencing: Are they seeing someone in the room? Hearing a dog bark? Tasting peanut butter? Ask them to describe their hallucination in as much detail as possible, and respond appropriately to the emotions they are expressing. 

For example, if they tell you they’re having a hallucination that makes them feel overwhelmed or stressed, you should respond with, “I’m sorry you’re experiencing this, it sounds very stressful, I’m here with you.” 

If you have any questions about how to best handle dementia hallucinations, or if you’d like more information about senior care in New Jersey, please contact our team at UMC today: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/dementia-hallucinations/

 

Fall is the Time to Make Your Move

 

Moving your loved one into assisted living can be an emotional and complex process. Choosing the right day or even the right time of year to make the move isn’t easy! If you have the flexibility to choose your date, then fall is the perfect time of year to make the transition. Here’s why, from our beautiful assisted living community in South Jersey.

Why Fall is the Perfect Time of Year to Move into Assisted Living

#1 – Comfortable Weather

The heat of summer is gone, and the weather is comfortably cool, which is perfect for seniors and anyone who is helping them move. Many seniors find it challenging to tolerate heat and humidity, which can cause headaches, dizziness, swelling around the joints, and even confusion – especially if your loved one has a dementia condition. Fall weather is also easier on anyone doing the heavy lifting, making it much more tolerable to get hard work done without the risk of dehydration or heatstroke.

#2 – Transition Season

Fall is a season of change when the rush and energy of spring and summer make way for a gentler, softer atmosphere. It’s naturally the time of year when we prepare for changes ahead, creating the mindset needed for a big move such as this one. And because it’s cool but still an outdoor season, it’s easier for your loved one to get involved in the community’s activities, whether they are social occasions, hobby clubs, or simply sharing a meal with neighbors.

#3 – Avoiding the Rush

Families tend to wait until the end of the year to make the move into assisted living for a number of reasons. From wanting to use the holidays or annual leave as a moving day, wanting their loved one to stay with them through the holidays, or simply thinking it’s best for their loved one to start living in a new place in the new year, there’s usually a rush on assisted living community accommodation through November and December. This is especially common in assisted living communities that offer temporary senior accommodation, where families book their loved one a respite stay while they travel. Moving in during fall means you get to avoid that rush and have a wider range of assisted living choices – although we always recommend that the earlier you look, the better!

#4 – The Holidays are Just Around the Corner

Moving into assisted living in the fall gives your loved one time to adjust to their new community, as well as something to look forward to! Whether you’ll be spending time with them over the holiday season or you’re relying on the community’s fun-filled festive event calendar, there’s just enough time to settle in properly while still having plenty of things to look forward to and build those important social and companionship connections.

At UMC at The Shores, a United Methodist Communities assisted living facility in Cape May County, we take a holistic approach to caregiving that supports a full and independent life in a professional yet compassionate and fun community. We care deeply about each person in our care, balancing the need for strict protocols with our focus on active, healthy aging.

We cater to seniors with a wide range of needs, from those who are quite independent and want a close, companionable, and safe community life to seniors with dementia conditions who need additional care and attention.

For more information on our assisted living community in South Jersey, please contact us today or visit our website at  https://umcommunities.org/theshores/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/fall-is-the-time-to-make-your-move/

Top 3 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Injury as You Age

 

The number one thing seniors want? To keep their independence. They have lived their whole life by relying on their mind and their body, and they don’t want to stop anytime soon. And they shouldn’t have to – especially if they are taking the right precautions as they grow older. The best way for seniors to keep their independence is to avoid injuries that can compromise their physicality.

In this article, we will discuss different ways seniors can reduce the risk of injury as they age, compiled by our physical therapy team in Gloucester County.

#1. Prevent falls. Falls pose a serious health risk for seniors. They can result in trips to the emergency room, surgeries, and long recoveries – all requiring dependent support. One way to prevent falling is to help strengthen and support the body through physical therapy. With physical therapy, seniors can improve balance, gain a wider range of motion, and develop quicker reactions to unexpected obstacles. Older adults can also reduce the risk of falling by staying active through a consistent fitness routine. Perhaps the easiest and most immediate action seniors can take to prevent falls is to remove hazards and take safety precautions within their living space. Some examples include installing nightlights, putting clothes and belongings away, wearing supportive shoes, and making sure carpets are properly secured to the floor.

#2. Prioritize fitness. Briefly mentioned above, daily exercise is key for seniors to remain mobile, independent and healthy. It’s important to start off slow, however, if fitness is a whole new ballgame. Great starter workouts for older adults include taking a daily walk or starting a low-impact chair yoga class. It’s important to note that a new fitness routine needs to be carefully managed to prevent injuries or over-straining of the muscles. A physical therapist can help older adults develop an exercise plan that addresses all health conditions or concerns to ensure their physical needs are properly managed.

#3. Double-check medications. As we age, our roster of medications can increase. Keeping track of doses and schedules can quickly become confusing and even dangerous if you don’t have a proper organizational method in place. Taking the wrong medications together or ingesting the wrong dosage could result in harmful side effects that could impair balance and increase the risk of falls or other injuries. With that being said, seniors should look into organizing their medications with a clearly labeled pill box and setting reminders to take each one via a smartphone app like PillBoxie.

Physical therapy at our senior community in Pitman, NJ

Many seniors underestimate what physical therapy can achieve, especially when it comes to reducing the risk of developing mobility issues that could potentially threaten their independence. Sometimes it just takes more than going on a daily walk or properly managing medications to solve root issues related to coordination, balance, and core strength. That’s where physical therapy comes in.

At UMC at Pitman, our physical therapists, part of our short-term rehab program, believe in strengthening and restoring each resident’s mobility to the fullest extent. If you or a loved one has already suffered from a fall or injury, our team can develop individualized recovery programs made up of therapy, medical treatments, and dietary requirements to assist in the smoothest recovery possible. They can even take into account the social amenities each resident can take part in while staying at our active assisted living community in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

For more information about senior physical therapy at UMC at Pitman, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/top-3-ways-to-reduce-the-risk-of-injury-as-you-age/

5 Fall Activities for Seniors and Their Families

 

Fall is arguably the best season in New Jersey, and thanks to the cooler weather and beautiful scenery, it’s a favorite for seniors and families too! Here are some great fall activities to enjoy, from our independent senior living community in Sussex County.

#1 – Apple Picking

Getting outdoors is great for seniors, and apple picking is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to explore and enjoy nature together. Visit local farms in your area to pick your own delicious apples (we love Windy Brow Farms, Hillcrest Orchard and Dairy, Beemerville Orchard, and Pennings Orchard), and be sure to take time to enjoy fall farm activities, deli treats, and markets. Just remember to save some apples for jams, pies, and desserts!

#2 – Fall Foliage Trips

The fall colors are usually their best at the beginning of October, so pack a picnic and take a day trip to see the scenery! UMC at Bristol Glen is conveniently located near some of the best places to visit for leaf peeping, including High Point State Park, Kittatinny Valley State Park, Swartswood State Park, and Hopatcong State Park. Remember to pack a camera for some lovely family photos too!

#3 – The Corn Maze Train

Sussex County is filled with railroad heritage and beautiful rolling farmlands – and the Corn Maze Train is the best way to enjoy both! Currently running now until October 27^th, it’s a wonderful experience for seniors and families. You’ll ride to the scenic century-old Snyder Farm, which has a pretty picnic space and maze games for both the youngsters and young-at-heart to enjoy.

#4 – The Honey and Garlic Festival

For a tasty fall treat, visit the Annual Sussex County Harvest Honey and Garlic Festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on October 9^th. It’s a family and senior-friendly event all about local heritage and agricultural tourism, filled with area vendors, crafters, and artists showing their wares.

#5 – Fall Crafting

For less mobile seniors or days indoors, you can create a fun crafting experience for the whole family! Learn to make leaf garlands, make clove-studded orange pomanders, or learn how to knit cozy winter scarves. It’s also a great time to bring out a puzzle you can all make together or bake delicious fall treats like pumpkin sugar cookies. Another fun activity is to plant a small indoor garden together using indoor plants and pretty planters. We love planters filled with fragrant herbs or flowering succulents on a sunny windowsill, and they add a much-needed touch of greenery and color through the winter months ahead.

We’re proud to say that our CCRC in Sussex County earned a place on the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes and Short-Stay Rehabilitation Lists, reflecting our dedication to our residents! With well-appointed apartment-style living set in beautiful natural surroundings, a fine dining communal space, and a social calendar filled with hobby clubs, guest speakers, and community events, we’re proud of the life we help create for our seniors!

If you want to find out more about independent senior living in Sussex County NJ, then please get in touch today or visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/5-fall-activities-for-seniors-and-their-families/

Back to School… for Seniors?

 

It’s never too late to learn something new – especially when lifelong learning is proven to benefit senior cognition. Don’t worry, you don’t really have to go back to school. Luckily, there are many easy ways for seniors to learn that don’t involve expensive enrollment fees. Lifelong learning could even be happening right under your nose, especially if you are already living in a thriving senior living community. But first, let’s go over the indisputable benefits that lifelong learning has to offer seniors.

The Benefits of Learning as a Senior Citizen

Reduces the risk of dementia. Did you ever want to learn a new language or learn to play an instrument? Well, there is no time like the present! Learning a new skill increases myelin in the brain. For those who may not know, myelin is the white matter in the brain that helps improve our overall brain performance on a number of tasks. Seniors who continue to learn new things are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This is because these memory disorders are linked to demyelination or the damage or loss of myelin in the brain.

Increases neuron generation. Seniors who have prioritized learning throughout their lives are found to generate more neurons and connections in the brain. Neurons send important information mainly between the brain and the central nervous system. When neuron generation is more stimulated, this can positively impact our memory recollection, attention span, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.

Allows for more positive social interactions. One of the best parts of lifelong learning is that you don’t have to do it alone! Learning courses, discussion groups, memory games, and book clubs can spark social interaction that is intellectually engaging and helps seniors avoid negative feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and isolation. An easy way to reap the benefits? Get your kids, grandkids, or close friends together for a trivia night each week. Keep things interesting by diving into new topics every week. The added bonus to including others in learning games like these is? Positive social connections will also help stimulate activity in the brain.

 

Senior Living and Learning in Collingswood, NJ

At UMC at Collingswood, our assisted living residents can continue to live full and independent life. We pride ourselves on creating an environment in which residents can pursue their hobbies while receiving the support they need. Our community also encourages seniors to keep learning through trivia nights, painting classes, digital museum tours, and book clubs – just to name a few opportunities.

For more information about UMC at Collingswood, our senior living community in Camden County, New Jersey, please contact our team today. Learn about what community life is really like by visiting our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/ 

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/back-to-school-for-seniors/