To Eat Healthy, You Have to Shop Healthy

 

Eating healthy is good for everyone, but wholly essential for older adults. If you are new to healthy eating, there is more to it than just deciding to focus on your nutrition – that’s only the first step! There is some planning, shopping and preparation involved, but you don’t need to become a planning guru in order to shop for the right ingredients and prepare healthy meals to eat each day. Our experts’ tips for healthy meal planning will help you find the nutritional food you need that sharpens your mind, makes you feel better, boosts your immunity, and makes you stronger. So, where do you start exactly? What should you add to your shopping list for nutritional meals on a limited budget?  

These Foods Should Be On Your Grocery List      

Everyone should eat enough nutritional foods throughout the day. Though older adults tend to eat less, that doesn’t mean they can’t obtain the proper nutrition –  it only means they have to eat “smarter.” If you are a senior, here are some smart food choices you should include on your grocery list:

• Proteins

Beef and other meats are not the only proteins available; you should also try alternatives such as tuna, eggs, cheese, Greek yogurt, and various nut butters, including peanut butter, if allergies allow. What can you do with a less expensive cut of meat? Make stews, soups, and casseroles! Add vegetables, beans, and whole grains for filling and healthy meals that are easy to prepare in one pot and eat. Remember, you need protein to keep your muscles strong to perform your daily tasks.

• Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Although they are often difficult to chew, they absolutely should reserve a space on your shopping list. Make smoothies with fruit and vegetables to get your daily portions – you won’t even taste the grated zucchini, promise. Purchase frozen carrots and broccoli, then cook them until soft for easier chewing. If you’re not crazy about the taste of veggies, you could  blend them into a broth and add them to tomato sauce for whole-grain pasta. 

• Whole Grains

Are medications, poor hydration, and your lifestyle making you constipated? Add whole grains to your shopping list because they contain digestion-regulating fiber. Your go-to whole grains  could be rice and oatmeal if you have a wheat allergy, or pasta and bread if wheat is not a problem for you. If someone doesn’t like the taste of whole grains, such as whole wheat pasta, mix it with normal pasta until they adapt. 

Eating Well On A Budget   

Eating nutritiously when you have a limited budget is challenging, but there are ways to overcome this. Make a grocery list before shopping, stick to it, and you will cut down on impulse purchases. Spoil yourself once a month with something you don’t usually buy, and the discipline you show the rest of the time feels easier. Join a grocery store savings club if there is one in your area, use discount coupons, and buy items in bulk with a friend. Purchasing in large quantities can be cheaper, but only if it’s something you will use up. 

Is there a farmer’s market in your area? Go with a family member or friend to purchase fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit. If you don’t have someone to go with that day, someone will always be ready to answer your questions and chat at the market. You might even find perishable items are sold at a discount by the end of the day.   

Let A UMC HomeWorks Home Health Aide Help You Eat Better 

Did you know that people eat healthier when they have someone to cook and eat with? UMC HomeWorks provides homecare help for seniors, and our home health aide services include meal preparation, feeding, and shopping. The home health aides consult with our staff nutritionists to ensure your shopping list is affordable, healthy, and delicious!    

UMC HomeWorks’ caregivers are state-certified home health aides (CHHA) screened for experience, compassion, and patience in dealing with seniors. We develop a unique care plan for each of our senior adults with nursing assessments by a Registered Nurse (RN). Please visit our website for more information or contact us today if you want a home health aide to assist you or a loved one with eating healthy: https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/blog/shopping-healthy-on-a-budget/

What Are the 7 Most Common Illnesses for Seniors?

Older adults are more susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases, so empowering yourself and being aware of the early signs and symptoms is essential. Prevention is the best approach when it comes to your health, and while we can’t prevent every condition from developing, there are ways to keep unfavorable side effects at bay. Here are the seven most common illnesses for seniors, including early warning signs and symptoms you should watch out for. 

Hypertension

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It often doesn’t have any symptoms, so you should have your blood pressure checked regularly by your doctor. People with extreme hypertension may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Nausea and vomiting 

While anyone can have high blood pressure, certain risk factors include being overweight, smoking, having an unhealthy diet, and not getting adequate exercise. You can reduce your risk of developing hypertension by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a sensible weight. 

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease affects approximately one in nine people age 65 and older. Because it can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, it’s especially important to be aware of potential symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty completing everyday tasks
• Trouble finding the right word in a conversation
• Getting dates and times wrong
• Placing everyday items in inappropriate places
• Impaired judgment

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, specialized programs like Tapestries Memory Care at UMC can help seniors effectively manage it – allowing them to retain as much independence as possible. It’s also important to be aware of any family history of Alzheimer’s. 

Arthritis & Osteoporosis

Arthritis is one of the most common age-related chronic conditions in seniors, and it causes joint pain and inflammation that can greatly interfere with everyday life and activities. People can manage their arthritis with painkillers and corticosteroids, but there is no cure. If you’ve been experiencing stiffness or tenderness in your joints, or if your mobility has recently been affected by pain in your joints, please speak with your doctor. 

Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that weakens the bones, and older women are especially susceptible to it. Weakened bones can result in fractures or breaks if you fall or knock yourself against an object, and the condition can greatly affect your mobility as it progresses. 

Coronary Heart Disease

According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for people older than 65., The condition is caused by a build-up of fatty substances blocking the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. While symptoms aren’t always present, some signs include chest pain or more severe issues, including heart attacks. The best way to combat heart disease is to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet full of  lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Cancer

There are many different types of cancer, so older adults should have various cancer screenings on a regular basis. Speak with your doctor about your family’s history with cancer because you can be predisposed to certain types based on your genetic history. 

There are too many signs and symptoms of cancer to list here, but if you’re feeling off and aren’t sure why, speak with your doctor. 

Chronic Kidney Disease

This is a long-term condition where the kidneys don’t work as efficiently as they should, and older adults are more susceptible to developing it. While there are rarely early warning signs of chronic kidney disease, people in advanced stages may exhibit blood in their urine, swollen ankles, feet, or hands, fatigue, and shortness of breath. 

Diabetes

Diabetes affects nearly 25% of people aged 65 and older, making it a significant health risk for seniors. Your doctor can do a blood test to check your blood sugar levels. Symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Blurry vision
• Extreme fatigue
• Constant hunger, even though you’re eating regularly
• Cuts and bruises healing very slowly 

For more information about illnesses that may be affecting you or your senior loved ones, please contact our long term care team at UMC today or visit us at: https://umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/common-illnesses-in-elderly/

The Sun is Shining, Protect Your Skin

With summer inching closer and closer, we’re sure you’re spending more time outside in the sun. It’s great to soak up that Vitamin D, but it’s important that you’re doing it safely and protecting your skin. Here, we will discuss simple ways that older adults can stay safe from the disadvantages of too much sunlight.

The Importance of Sunshine

Exposure to sunlight is the only way our bodies can naturally make Vitamin D, which is necessary for strong bones, better mood, improved cognition, and cardiovascular health. Sunlight is also known to improve our sleep patterns, as the sun heavily influences the body’s circadian rhythm. Lack of sun exposure can be responsible for insomnia or irregular sleeping patterns.

The Risks of Too Much Sun Exposure

The biggest danger of sun exposure is skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in America. Skin cancer is linked to overexposure to radiation from UV or ultraviolet light. UV light exposure can also cause sunburn, wrinkles, discoloration, and loss of elasticity. Some people believe skin cancer takes a long time to form and that it isn’t a significant cause for concern in your senior years – however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Seniors are at just as much risk, if not at a higher risk, for skin cancer than the younger generations.

A Healthy Balance

There can be a lot of misleading information regarding sun exposure and seniors. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, there is a general rule of thumb to live by: seniors need 5-10 minutes of sun exposure 2-3 times a week to produce healthy levels of vitamin D. With that in mind, it’s recommended to apply sunscreen if you’re spending more than ten minutes in direct sunlight or when the UV rate is extremely high. You can check this on most weather apps, channels, and stations. Additional sun protection can include lightweight, breezy tops, pants, large sun hats, or even umbrellas to provide some shade. Overall, we recommend doing what feels comfortable for you. If you feel yourself getting too hot and it hasn’t been ten minutes yet, listen to your body.

Safe in the Sun at UMC at The Shores

It can be confusing which advice to follow, that’s why all of our senior caregivers in South Jersey are trained in the best practices to provide all-encompassing care for our residents. With our beautiful location just a short drive to the beach, we know our independent seniors enjoy their time outside, and it’s our priority to make sure they enjoy it safely.

Visit our website to learn more about our South Jersey senior living campus, lifestyles, activities, and location: https://umcommunities.org/theshores/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/the-sun-is-shining-protect-your-skin/

Senior Exercises to Avoid

The first Saturday in May is National Fitness Day, and while we support seniors keeping an active lifestyle – we support their safety a whole lot more. What do we mean by this? Some exercises are more “senior-friendly” and some could actually cause more harm than good to older adults. In this article, our team of senior caregivers in Gloucester County will review the main exercise safety concerns for older adults, which exercises to avoid, and ways to exercise safely.

One of the primary concerns for seniors is the risk of falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. These falls can lead to serious injuries, such as hip fractures or head trauma, and can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life. Therefore, it’s best for seniors to avoid exercises that involve high-impact movements or sudden changes in direction.

Another common concern for seniors is joint pain and arthritis. Exercises that put excessive strain on the joints, such as running or heavy weightlifting, can aggravate joint pain and cause further damage. Additionally, seniors with chronic conditions such as osteoporosis or heart disease may need to avoid certain exercises, like high-intensity cardio, to prevent exacerbating their conditions.

Fortunately, there are plenty of exercises that seniors can safely engage in to improve their physical health. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga can help improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance without putting excessive strain on the joints. Strength training exercises that use light weights or resistance bands can also help improve muscle strength and bone density without causing undue stress on the body. No matter which exercise you are considering incorporating into your routine, it’s important to speak with your fitness instructor or healthcare provider before performing any new strenuous activities that may negatively impact your current conditions.

Independent lifestyle communities, like UMC at Pitman, can be a great resource for seniors looking to stay active and improve their mobility. Our community has an on-site fitness center and exercise classes designed specifically for older adults. Trained staff members help our residents safely perform each exercise and can modify them if needed if they have mobility limitations or other concerns.

As well as providing exercise opportunities, UMC at Pitman also offers other resources to help seniors maintain their physical health. Our healthcare professionals on-site can help monitor chronic conditions and make professional recommendations regarding their fitness routines. Nutritious meals and snacks can also help seniors maintain a healthy weight and provide the energy needed to keep on moving!

Exercising safely at UMC in Pitman, NJ

At United Methodist Communities at Pitman, our favorite fitness classes include dance, Tai Chi, and chair yoga. We understand that each resident has different exercise goals, and may have to modify exercises according to certain health conditions or mobility limitations. Senior health is our top priority, so we constantly strive to offer a range of fitness classes to support each of our seniors in their journey to live life to the fullest!

For more information about how we support senior health and fitness in Pitman, New Jersey, please give us a call today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/senior-exercises-to-avoid/

Celebrating Moms at Collingswood!

Planning a Mother’s Day celebration may look a little different with your mom now in senior living, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less special – or exciting for this irreplaceable woman in your life! Grandmothers are usually the matriarch in the family, the glue that holds it all together. They can be well rounded, nurturing, strong, and very thoughtful. And if there’s one thing they all have in common, it’s their love for family. If you’re fortunate enough to have a grandmother for your children, do not waste the opportunity to celebrate them – especially today!

Here are four great ways to celebrate and honor senior moms on Mother’s Day from our assisted living coordinators in South Jersey.

1. Treat her to a day out. Whether she lives at home or in an assisted living community, Mom deserves a day to get out and about! You can start with some pampering at the spa or local hair salon and then make a reservation at her favorite restaurant for brunch. Wherever you choose to go, make sure it incorporates the activities mom loves to do. For example, if she has a sweet tooth, take her to a local ice cream shop and treat her to a soft serve in a cone with the works!
2. Cook her favorite meal. If you love to cook and host, you can also use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to get the whole family together. Food has been and always will be a way to bond with the ones you love. Mom will appreciate your effort in the kitchen and that you brought everyone together to enjoy the day. If mom can’t or doesn’t want to leave her assisted living community, you can bring a more intimate dinner to her apartment or, if the weather permits, set up a family picnic outside on community grounds. Here at Collingswood, we have a beautiful outdoor space with tables and chairs set up for our residents and their families.
3. Attend an event with her in her senior community. Many senior living communities like UMC at Collingswood have special events planned each month for their residents. Our Mother’s Day plans are still in the works this year, but in the past, we have welcomed residents and their families to enjoy the day together here. We have also offered fun activities to take part in like T’ai Chi, bible studies, and streaming feature films complete with signature movie snacks!
4. Let her teach you one of her pastimes. Knowledge is power and almost always the best gift one can receive and pass on to others. Ask mom ahead of time what activity she would like to pass on to you and the grandkids. For instance, if she has a knack for painting, she can teach everyone something easy like watercolor. This experience will serve as quality bonding time, and everyone will leave with a tangible memory they can hang on their wall and look back on. You just might create a new Mother’s Day tradition! If you need help setting up a group activity with mom, ask one of her caregivers for assistance – they would be happy to help!

Honoring Grandma in assisted living on Mother’s Day

Mobility and health issues can prevent some seniors from being able to leave their assisted living community, like UMC at Collingswood, to celebrate Mother’s Day. That being said, there’s no reason we can’t bring the celebration to them! Give us a call and let us know how we can best accommodate your Mother’s Day plans for your mom. Our senior living community has many indoor and outdoor communal spaces where your family can gather and safely spend time with Grandma.

Get in touch to find out how we can help make Mother’s Day truly special for your loved one. To learn more about our special events for seniors in Camden County, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/celebrating-moms-at-collingswood/

April Showers Brought May Flowers!

You may have noticed that spring came early this year. In fact, this is the earliest spring in the last fourteen years! Not that we are complaining one bit – seeing the new buds pop up out of the cold ground was a welcome sight. At our UMC at Bristol Glen campus especially, we are surrounded by lush greenery and wooded areas. Some of our plants are natural to the area, while others are actually planted and maintained by our senior residents and team members! That being said, our assisted living coordinators in Sussex County would like to show you what makes Bristol a truly unique and natural setting, and why it is the perfect location for the avid senior gardener.

A Natural and Unique Senior Living Location

UMC at Bristol Glen is located in Sussex County, in the town of Newton. If you’re familiar with northwestern New Jersey, you probably immediately thought of farmland, and you couldn’t be more right! Sussex County has vast farmlands as far as the eye can see, but it also has some interesting industrial history. Our historic county is famous for the Andover Mines, for example, which date back as far as the early 1700s and are just a short ten-minute drive from UMC at Bristol Glen. While located in this quaint, rural setting surrounded by nature, hiking trails, and farmlands, Bristol Glen is just a short five-minute drive to downtown Newton’s hustle and bustle. Here you can find many shops, restaurants, local events, and even live entertainment! So, whether you enjoy busy city life or sitting on a quiet county porch, seniors can have the best of both worlds at Bristol Glen.

UMC at Bristol Glen is A Gardener’s Dream

While many seniors give up gardening when moving into a senior living community, our residents at Bristol Glen can keep up with their hobby as long as they wish. Because of our unique location, we have ample garden space that residents are welcome to care for. As we briefly touched on before, our residents with green thumbs plant marigolds, impatiens, and whatever is blooming. Independent and assisted living seniors have also carefully tended to a vegetable patch. They’ve been especially successful with beans, cucumbers, eggplants, peppers, and zucchini this year! If a senior needs additional care and support and transitions to one of Bristol Glen’s dedicated healthcare neighborhoods, they are still able to reap the bountiful benefits of gardening by working with potted plants or the flowers and veggies on the healthcare patio. Bristol Glen occasionally hosts guest speakers and lecturers from nearby community colleges and universities, and gardening is a favorite topic.

The Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

While gardening is often thought of just as an outdoor hobby, it’s so much more!  Because the upkeep of a garden requires active engagement and physical activity, it can help prevent osteoporosis and even reduce some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Improved immune systems are just another benefit of playing in the soil, as the “good” bacteria found in the soil can alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms. While the health benefits of gardening are extensive, one of the most profound benefits is that it may lower the risk of dementia by as much as 36 percent!^[1]

In addition to the physical benefits of gardening, it also has mental and social benefits. Gardening is known to reduce depression and enhance overall well-being. In some cases, like at UMC at Bristol Glen, gardening is a social activity that is a great way for seniors to connect with each other and with nature. Gardening reduces stress and anxiety by lowering the cortisol levels in your brain. While cortisol is necessary to function, too much can actually increase anxiety, blood pressure, and glucose levels.

Seniors Live An Abundant Life in Sussex County NJ

While many people think you have to give up things you love after moving to assisted living, that is quite the opposite here at Bristol Glen. Our priority is for every resident to live the most abundant life possible. The only things you have to give up are responsibilities like keeping up with a clean house, laundry, and preparing multiple meals a day. Living abundantly looks different for every resident, so if laundry is your passion, by all means, enjoy it! If that’s not the case, now you have the time, and place to explore all your passions. Give us a call or visit our website to schedule a tour of our beautiful blooming campus, we promise you won’t be disappointed. https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

^[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16411871/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/april-showers-brought-may-flowers/

How Alzheimer’s Disease Can Affect a Senior’s Finances

If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to prepare for all the ways in which life will change. Not only will your loved one’s circumstances change, but the disease will also impact your own life and the lives of your extended family members. One often overlooked area is your loved one’s finances. People with dementia may show signs of financial troubles before they ever receive an official diagnosis. Here are some crucial financial mistakes to watch out for when your senior loved one has dementia. 

Payments Are Missed

While many seniors remain financially independent well into old age, your loved one will likely require your support when Alzheimer’s is involved. Ask your loved one to sit down with you and review all of their monthly bills. If you notice any unpaid bills, prioritize these ahead of other monthly outgoings. 

Sometimes older adults are embarrassed about their financial situation, and rather than asking for help, they let it go for months without taking any action. Neglecting their finances is obviously not ideal, so the sooner you help your loved one take control, the better. 

Bad Credit Scores Long Before Diagnosis

Alzheimer’s disease usually does not appear suddenly. Rather, the person will slowly begin to exhibit signs and symptoms over an extended period. Their symptoms can typically be confused with normal signs of aging, such as forgetting information, losing your train of thought while speaking, or misplacing items around the house. 

However, if your loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, their credit score may have already been negatively affected due to missed payments, overspending, and other poor financial decisions. Sit down with them, check their credit score and, if needed, consult a financial advisor to get an overview of the situation. 

Investing Unwisely

Have you noticed your loved one making investments that seem out of character? Are you concerned they have they fallen victim to a financial scam? Unfortunately, financial scammers are prolific and they prey on elderly and vulnerable people – specifically older adults with Alzheimer’s – are easy targets.

If your senior loved one regularly makes investments, ask them to review their current portfolio with you, so you can understand where their money is going. You may be able to spot any scams or pyramid schemes before they lose too much money. 

Overspending Money

Most seniors have a fixed amount of money to spend each month. If you notice that your loved one has overdrawn their account, or racked up credit card bills that seem out of character, they may be overspending due to memory issues. Ask them to share their account balances with you, as well as any credit card balances they have, so you can get a better idea of how much money they’re spending each month. 

Financial Planning for People With Dementia

As mentioned above, many seniors live on a fixed income and have limited budgets, so having a firm handle on finances is extremely important. We recommend scheduling a meeting with a financial planner as soon as you can after your loved one receives their diagnosis. They can help you with issues like improving credit scores, eliminating debt, and making wise investments. The sooner you help your loved one take control of their financial situation, the sooner you can work together to make smarter decisions. 

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and you’d like more information about how you can help them with their financial planning, please contact our team at UMC today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/alzheimers-disease-and-finances/

The Senior Home Cleaning Cheat Sheet

It can be exciting when it’s time for spring cleaning. You know your house will be fresh from top to bottom and feel like a new home. For safety reasons, a comprehensive clean should be done by a professional company or with the assistance of loved ones, but there are many regular cleaning tasks seniors can safely handle. Some types of cleaning and organizing can be more fun with a companion, whether a family member, friend, or United Methodist Communities (UMC) HomeWorks home health aide. 

Since everyone’s habits and homes are different, we want you to draw up your own senior home cleaning cheat sheet. If cleaning the house is not your favorite job, reward yourself afterward with something you enjoy, like fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies – yum!

Be Prepared     

Cleaning should be a habit, and that requires mental and physical preparation. Developing a positive attitude towards cleaning your home makes it feels less like a chore and more like something to look forward to. A good way to physically prepare is to have all your cleaning materials in one place – a rolling cart with locked wheels and baskets on the side is a very convenient tool. When not in use, you can store it away safely. Decide ahead of time what you will clean, ensure you wear the correct shoes, and keep your charged cell phone or emergency call button close.   

Declutter Your Home Regularly  

Everyone collects small ornaments and other items of sentimental value. Unfortunately, they tend to gather dust over the years, and decluttering your home includes making sure there are fewer “dust-collectors” to clean. Invite a friend or a family member to your home every three months for a declutter session or request the assistance of a HomeWorks companion. Review all your medicines and safely dispose of anything that expired. Look through your fridge, cupboards, or pantry for expired food and other goods. 

Are items blocking your regular routes around the house, including the path you take at night between your bed and the bathroom? They can be a trip-and-fall hazard, so put them away or move them to another space.   

Routinely Clean What You Can   

Have you noted the areas you use most regularly on your cleaning sheet? Routinely clean them when possible, and the house will stay cleaner for significantly longer! Tips like opening bathroom windows and leaving the fan on for a few minutes after using the shower or bath will stop mildew before it starts, cutting down on cleaning in the bathroom. Try to use natural cleaning products, as they are better for you and the environment. Do you use the microwave oven every day? To help it stay clean and smelling fresh, put boiling water and a few slices of lemon in a bowl, microwave it for a few minutes while you wipe down the kitchen surfaces, then wipe the inside of the microwave with a separate cloth. 

Get Help For A Good Spring Cleaning  

Every home needs a good spring clean at least once a year. Since items such as ceiling fan blades, windows, and HVAC filters are on the list, source the services of a professional cleaning company to attend to each item and place you cannot reach. Also, leave the moving and cleaning of heavy furniture to others. When you draft a complete spring cleaning list specific to your house and yard, it is easier to ask for quotes from service providers. If you feel insecure with outsiders in your home, request a family member or HomeWorks aide to be present during the services. 

Is your house small, and are your family or younger friends willing to help you? Let them do the spring cleaning for you and make it fun with those cookies we mentioned earlier and lots of refreshments. A small thank you note afterward will make them feel appreciated.   

Make A UMC HomeWorks Home Health Aide Your Cleaning Companion  

UMC HomeWorks caregivers are certified and screened for their compassion and patience. Each senior is carefully matched with the aide or companion most suited to them. The companions provide numerous non-medical home-care services that seniors require everyday, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation and laundry, while a certified home health aide can provide more hands-on assistance with ADLs like bathing and toileting, and execute a personalized care plan established by a HomeWorks RN.

United Methodist Communities HomeWorks provides home health care for independent seniors in New Jersey. Please visit our website for more information or contact one of our team members today if you want a home health aide to provide companionship when people are spring cleaning your home.  https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/home-health-aide-services/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/blog/senior-home-cleaning-cheat-sheet/

Benefits of Gardening for Seniors

Gardening is an activity beloved by people of all ages, but did you know gardening is especially beneficial for seniors? Summer is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to start planning your garden. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned greenthumb. Gardening can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, in many different climates. Let’s take a look at the many benefits of gardening for seniors! 

Great source of Vitamin D

As we get older, we may experience mobility issues that make us less active than we used to be, especially once we retire and no longer leave the house to go to work every day. If you’re not getting outside during the daytime on a regular basis, you may not be getting enough Vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D increases calcium levels in the body and strengthens bones, which is particularly important for seniors who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. 

Outdoor gardening is a great way to get your regular dose of Vitamin D, but remember sunscreen and a hat!. It’s important to keep your skin protected on those blazing hot days. 

Mind Stimulating

Keeping our minds active as we age is very important. According to a study published in 2006, gardening may lower the risk of dementia by 36%, making it an excellent activity for older adults. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so taking up a physically and mentally stimulating activity like gardening is a great choice. You’ll have a lot of fun learning about new plants and flowers, developing your plant care routine, and experimenting with different species of plants. 

Whether you want to grow herbs, start a small vegetable garden, or plant some beautiful flowers, there’s no shortage of mental stimulation with gardening. 

Mood-Boosting

The mood-boosting benefits of being in and around nature are well-known. The vast majority of people report feeling calmer and less stressed when they’re in a green space, including in their own gardens. Gardens inspire feelings of peacefulness and tranquility, so having a garden is an excellent way to inspire a positive mood. Additionally, avid gardeners report that it’s very satisfying to cultivate tiny seedlings and watch them grow into full-grown plants and flowers.

Good Exercise

You may not think of gardening as exercise, but it’s a great low-impact activity for seniors, even those with mobility issues. You’ll burn calories while you’re weeding, digging holes, bending down, and reaching for various gardening tools. During the warmer months you may not even notice that you’ve worked up a sweat, but you certainly will! Gardening is great for strength, flexibility, and stamina, making it an ideal activity for physical health. 

Helps Loneliness

Many seniors struggle with loneliness and feelings of isolation. As we get older, it’s important that we make connections in our communities. One way to do that is to get into new hobbies like gardening. Many cities have local gardening clubs and community gardens, which welcome people of all ages and abilities. Joining your local community garden is a great way to meet people your age, and you’ll definitely benefit from the shared knowledge from your fellow green thumbs. If you currently reside in an independent-lifestyle community, be sure to ask if they have a gardening club. Our senior living community in Pitman, NJ, has an avid gardening club open for all residents to join! 

If you’d like more information about the benefits of gardening for seniors, or if you have any questions our senior communities in NJ, please get in contact with us by visiting our website at: https://umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/benefits-of-gardening-for-seniors/

3 Stomach Exercises for Seniors

At United Methodist Communities at The Shores, we haven’t met a senior who doesn’t love to eat! Which is great, because the ability to enjoy our food is one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s equally important to ensure our residents are just as passionate about their fitness, especially since we tend to accumulate more weight in our bellies as we age. Our core is also largely responsible for our sense of balance, which is crucial to maintain in order to stay active as we age. In honor of National Fitness Day (on the 6th), we’d like to share some great stomach exercises for older adults.

Chair Planks

Chair planks are a great way to target deep core muscles without any vigorous activity. First, make sure you have a sturdy chair, preferably with the back of the chair against a wall for stability. Stand facing the chair, and place the palms of your hands on the two outer edges of the chair closest to you. Walk your feet back until your head, shoulders, hips, and feet make a long line. Adjust as needed so you can comfortably hold the position. You want your elbows unlocked and in line with your shoulders. Keep your gaze forward, and focus on drawing your belly button to your spine. Hold the position for as long as you can and increase the amount of time. Start at 30 seconds and increase as you are able, repeating 2- 5 times as you feel comfortable.

Take it to the next level. If this is getting too easy for you, you can move your planks to the floor, keeping the same alignment as the chair. You can also play around with picking up one foot an inch off the floor, holding as long as possible, and then switching to the other side.

Seated Knee Lifts

Regardless of your fitness level, knee lifts are progressive exercises that build up inner core strength by working your lower abdominal muscles and transverse abdominal muscles. For this exercise, you’ll need your sturdy chair again, with the back of the chair up against a wall. Start by sitting on the edge of your chair. You don’t want to be falling off the chair, but you do want to be close to the edge to perform the exercise properly. Sit up tall, shoulders down away from the ears, and with control engage your lower abdominals to lift one knee up (3 to 4 inches off the ground) and hold for five seconds. Lower your leg and repeat with the other leg. You can start by doing 6-8 on each leg and work up to 10-12 reps. If you feel comfortable, you can also increase the hold time on each leg.

Take it up a notch. If you’re feeling strong with this movement, you can try the same exercise in a standing position.

Oblique Side Bends

This exercise is ideal for increasing the stabilization of your core, and can even help assist with daily life movements! Your oblique muscles run up each side of your core and account for a large portion of your body’s supportive structure. For this exercise, (you guessed it) you’ll once again need your sturdy chair, with its back up against the wall. Start by sitting tall near the edge of the chair with your feet flat on the floor. Next, place your fingertips behind your ears with your elbows out wide. If you can’t lift your arms that high, place your hands in a prayer position at chest level with your elbows in a straight line. When you’re ready, exhale and bend to one side. Try not to lean forward, and keep that straight back – lengthening your spine. Hold this position for 2 seconds and then return to the center. Repeat this motion on the other side. Start with 6-8 reps on each side and work your way up to 10-12 reps on each side.

UMC at The Shores: A Healthy Lifestyle

Core strength is critical for posture, balance, injury prevention, and longevity. Keeping your core strong is one of the easiest things you can do to maintain your mobility and independent senior lifestyle. At UMC at The Shores, exercise classes are offered a few times a week, plus there is a fitness center to use as you please. We make it easy for you to stay active so you can continue to live an abundant life.

Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our active senior living community in South Jersey: https://umcommunities.org/theshores/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/3-stomach-exercises-for-seniors/

Common Nutrition Issues for Seniors

Eating nutritious meals not only improves physical energy and resistance to illness, but also supports a more positive mentality. The better we eat, the healthier we are! Eating well is especially important as we age and become more susceptible to health issues. Our nutrition experts at UMC at Pitman have compiled a list of the most common nutrition issues for seniors and how they can avoid developing these issues by supporting good eating habits.

Malnutrition occurs when the body does not get enough nutrients, leading to a weakened immune system, slower wound healing, and an increased risk of infection. Seniors may be at risk of malnutrition due to decreased appetite or a lack of access to healthy food options.

To avoid this, older adults should focus on eating nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.  Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also be beneficial. Reputable assisted living communities can help seniors avoid malnutrition by providing healthy, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day. UMC at Pitman, in particular, offers personalized meal plans to meet the unique dietary needs of each resident. On top of this, we provide a social aspect to eating by encouraging residents to meet in our spacious, communal dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Dehydration is common for older adults, as they may not feel thirsty or may have difficulty accessing fluids. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and confusion.

Seniors should aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and consume fluids throughout the day. They should also avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate the body. As we mentioned above, caregivers at Pitman ensure our residents eat three square meals a day and are properly hydrated throughout the day, especially when they spend more time outdoors in the summer sun.

Digestive Issues. Seniors may experience digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea, due to decreased physical activity, medication side effects, or a lack of fiber in their diet.

To prevent this, seniors should prioritize eating a diet rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Staying hydrated and engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking or yoga, also helps aid digestion on a day-to-day basis. Assisted living communities like ours know what to look out for and can help residents avoid digestive issues by providing access to healthy, fiber-rich foods and encouraging more physical exercise through diverse class offerings.

Vitamin Deficiencies. Older adults may experience vitamin deficiencies due to a lack of access to healthy food options or a decrease in the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. These deficiencies are not something to take lightly, as they can lead to serious health problems, such as anemia, osteoporosis, and even vision loss.

That being said, it is especially crucial for seniors to maintain a diet rich in vitamins and minerals. They can achieve this naturally by incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken and fish into their meals each day. Older adults should also consider taking supplements, as recommended by their healthcare provider. Our health professionals at Pitman offer personalized dietary plans for each resident and work closely with primary care physicians to ensure all residents in our care receive the nutrients they need to thrive in our community.

Senior Nutrition is a Priority at UMC at Pitman

Here in our independent lifestyle community in NJ, we encourage healthy senior living for all residents, supported by a well-equipped team of licensed nurses, therapists, and other health specialists. Our care team can manage many complex medical conditions, all while ensuring a proper diet and exercise plan that is safe, results-driven, and fun! Popular activities like group Tai Chi and chair yoga also keep Pitman residents engaged and social with peers and neighbors who share the same interests.

If you or a loved one are interested in a healthy, social, and independent senior lifestyle, please call our community in Gloucester County to find out how we can help. To learn more about all of our senior care services, please visit us at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/common-nutrition-issues-for-seniors/

What Assisted Living is Like at Collingswood

 

When looking for assisted living for yourself or a loved one, you will find a broad selection of options for every budget and need. UMC at Collingswood, a full-service assisted living community in Camden County, offers a wide range of options – allowing residents to stay independent and active as they age in place. Here are some of the main reasons seniors choose assisted living with us over others in the area.

Safety and Security. With members of the team available around-the-clock, emergency call systems, and secure entrances, residents at UMC at Collingswood can feel confident that they are always protected. Additionally, the community is designed with safety in mind, with features like handrails, non-slip flooring, and grab bars in bathrooms to prevent falls.

High-Quality Care. Another key benefit of residing in an assisted living community is access to comprehensive care. United Methodist Communities at Collingswood has a team of experienced caregivers who are trained to provide a wide range of services, including medication management, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), and specialized care for residents with dementia or other complex health conditions. There will always be a caregiver or healthcare professional on-site throughout the day to ensure that residents receive the necessary support to stay healthy and comfortable.

Vibrant Social Life. One of the most significant challenges seniors face is social isolation. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and other health problems. Assisted living communities like United Methodist Communities at Collingswood address this issue by providing an active social life for residents. From daily activities and group outings to communal dining and shared living spaces, residents have ample opportunities to connect with others, stay active, and build lasting, meaningful relationships.

Convenient Amenities. Assisted living communities also offer convenient, hotel-like amenities that can make daily life easier and more enjoyable. Our senior community, for example, features an on-site salon, library, and fitness center, as well as outdoor spaces for gardening and relaxing. These amenities allow residents to engage in their favorite pastimes, as well as pursue new hobbies that keep life exciting here at Collingswood!

Freedom and Independence. While many seniors may initially view community living as a loss of independence, it’s actually the exact opposite. Assisted living communities like United Methodist Communities at Collingswood provide seniors with the freedom they crave while also offering the support they need. Residents can customize their living spaces to fit their unique needs and style preferences and come and go as they please. As we briefly touched on before, we also offer an array of amenities and fun activities like yoga, gardening, and movie nights that allow residents to more easily explore their interests. Throughout the day, caregivers are always available to assist with daily tasks or medical needs, ensuring that residents can maintain their mobility and independence for as long as possible.

Active Assisted Living in South Jersey

Choosing the right assisted living community for yourself or a loved one is a huge decision that affects the whole family. It’s important to really look at what each community offers so you can start to envision what life would be like. At UMC at Collingswood, we’re committed to providing our residents with an independent senior lifestyle experience that enhances all aspects of their wellbeing – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our team is happy to answer any questions you and your family may have about assisted living, so you can ensure UMC at Collingswood is the right fit for everyone.

If you’d like to learn more about our assisted living community in South Jersey, please call us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/what-assisted-living-is-like-at-collingswood/

Dental Health for Seniors

May is Dental Care Awareness Month, and we want to shed some light on common dental health issues seniors experience and oral health symptoms you really don’t want to ignore! You may not know this, but your oral health can actually affect other parts of your body. This happens when the bacteria in your mouth multiplies and enters your bloodstream. Gum disease alone has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and even Alzheimer’s disease.^[1] Unfortunately, these conditions are just the tip of the iceberg. Oral health is crucial to maintain, and in this article, we’ll cover three of the most ignored oral health conditions in seniors.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be a side effect of taking multiple prescriptions. While dry mouth is often just considered uncomfortable, it can actually make eating, swallowing, and talking very difficult. Dry mouth is caused by an underproduction of saliva, which contains minerals like calcium and phosphate that are necessary for strong teeth. Your saliva helps keep harmful germs that cause tooth decay and oral infections at bay. If you experience dry mouth often, we suggest speaking to your primary doctor and a dentist to get suggestions on combatting the problem.^[2]

Sensitive Teeth

It’s normal for a person’s tooth enamel to thin as they age. However, this thinning can expose your teeth’s soft nerves, making hot and cold foods and drinks completely unbearable. Gum recession is very common in seniors, which happens when the roots of your teeth become exposed. The roots don’t have the same enamel as the rest of your teeth, and when revealed they can be very sensitive. In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, you can prevent tooth sensitivity by regularly brushing, flossing, and using special toothpaste made to alleviate the issue.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gums around the base of your teeth. A lack of brushing and flossing causes this condition, and treating it often requires a professional cleaning and sometimes oral rinses. If you’ve caught gingivitis early, it can be treated fairly easily. The concern really lies in periodontal disease, which occurs if gingivitis goes untreated. It becomes a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and even affect your heart and lungs. Yes, you read that right. If you already have a heart or lung condition, periodontal disease can make it worse. If you don’t have a pre-existing condition, it can increase your chances of a heart attack, stroke, or sudden vascular event. It is suspected that the “bacteria present in gum disease can travel throughout the body, triggering inflammation in the heart’s vessels and infection in heart valves.”^[3] If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to speak to your dentist as soon as possible. These symptoms can include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating, receding gums, separating teeth, and persistent bad breath.

UMC at Bristol Glen Makes Dental Health a Priority

We wouldn’t blame you if you had to get up to brush your teeth halfway through this article (we sure did). As you can see, dental and oral health is crucial for the overall well-being of seniors. At our independent living community in Sussex County, we make dental health a part of the daily routine by reminding and assisting our seniors with teeth brushing each day. Our health professionals on site are also well aware of troublesome oral health symptoms to look out for. We also provide transportation to all doctor’s appointments, making it easy for our residents to stay on top of their health. Seniors at UMC at Bristol Glen have the best of both worlds because they can enjoy a quiet country setting while still being only a 5-minute drive away from downtown Newton’s many healthcare professionals.

To learn more about our independent living services in New Jersey, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

^[1] https://www.guardianlife.com/oral-and-overall-health

^[2] https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-oral-health/

^[3] https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2019/march/gum-disease-and-heart-disease

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/dental-health-for-seniors/

Downsizing for Senior Living

 

As we enter our senior years, it’s very common to consider downsizing your home. Many of us are now empty nesters, and we don’t need larger homes once our children are grown and out of the house. If you’ve lived in the same home for years and years, the prospect of downsizing and moving to a senior community can seem intimidating because you’ve likely accumulated a lot of belongings over the years. So, how do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of when you downsize?

Does it bring you joy?

If you’ve ever gone through old boxes piled up in your garage, or sorted through storage bins shoved into the back of a closet, you’ve probably discovered items you completely forgot about. One important question to ask yourself when sorting through your possessions is: does this bring me joy? If you’re hanging onto items about which you don’t have any strong feelings, or for “just in case” scenarios, chances are you won’t miss themwhen they’re gone. 

As we age, it’s good to try and live intentionally, and that means only keeping important belongings that bring us joy. You don’t want to drag boxes full of things that don’t make you happy to your next home – you want a fresh start with joyful memories. 

Does it hold memories?

Certain belongings, like photo albums and souvenirs from special events, will always have strong sentimental value. But many of us hold onto items that don’t hold any significant memories for us, like outdated clothes, shoes, or handbags. These things don’t have any meaningful place in our memories, so there’s no reason to keep them when all they do is take up space. 

As you sort through your belongings in preparation for downsizing, ask yourself if the items in question hold any positive or special memories for you. If the answer is yes, consider keeping the item if you have space. If the answer is no, it should be easy to donate or give it away. 

Are you keeping this for your “future” self?

Many of us purchase things we plan to use in the future. For example, we’ll buy expensive baking dishes and tell ourselves that we’ll get into baking, or we spend money on sports equipment like golf bags and say that we’ll get into golfing in the future. But as time passes, we often find that we haven’t used the things we bought for our future self. These things are simply sitting around, unused, and taking up valuable space. 

We recommend donating any items you’re holding onto for your future self and sticking to what you need to be happy and fulfilled in the present. Keeping items for your future self can actually cause you anxiety because you feel pressured to begin these new hobbies, then disappointed when you don’t follow through.

Would a family member have better use for it?

You don’t have to go through the downsizing process alone. Invite your family over and go through your belongings together. We’re certain you’ll find things you don’t want anymore that a family member could use. Whether it’s clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, sports equipment, cooking utensils, furniture, or something else, donating your things to your family is a great, sustainable way to repurpose them. Plus, giving your belonging to someone you love could be more comforting. 

For more information about downsizing for senior living, or if you’re interested in taking a tour of our senior living communities, please contact our team at UMC today by visiting our website: https://umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/downsizing-for-senior-living/