Biography on Eve Knudsen, a Resident of UMH

Her fingers glide across the keys, making that rare kind of music you hear with your ears but feel with your soul. Eve Knudsen, a resident of United Methodist Homes Francis Asbury Manor, is a gifted pianist.

Eve Knudsen, born in Manhattan in 1921 is the only child in a loving home where music sessions were the norm. As she balanced her studies between school and music, Eve was a good student.

Eve did many solo works, local concerts and symphonies in Newark with the help of Ruth Dautel, her music teacher and a protégé of the dean of the Julliard School of Music in New York City. Her strong suit, however, was as an accompanist. “I spent three years during high school and the first year after graduation doing accompanying work for many groups, including the New Jersey State Chorus, the New Jersey Symphony, various church groups, and even the Russian Cossacks, who traveled here from Russia.”

Eve earned her scholarship to Julliard following high school. When she is about to participate in a solo for Julliard’s dean of music, who would finalize the scholarship, an unfortunate and surprising turn of events occurred. “The dean passed away of a heart attack the night before my test,” Eve says. Instead of waiting six months to finalize her scholarship, Eve took a job as a bank bookkeeper to “repay my parents in some small way for all they had invested in my musical education.”

Eve looks back on a life filled with music as “very rewarding.” She is now a great grandmother of six and an excellent spokesperson for The United Methodist Homes communities. Francis Asbury Manor has been her home for almost 20 years.

United Methodist Homes is dedicated to our communities, associates, volunteers and residents.  We celebrate the experiences, stories and lives of all those that make our close knit communities. To find out more information about UMH, visit http://www.umh-nj.org/

What to Know About the Cost of Assisted Living

One of the biggest concerns for potential residents and families today is the expected costs of assisted living and the increasing rate of long-term care. United Methodist Homes strongly recommends that individuals consult with a good elder law or estate planning attorney to obtain the best advice and information specific to their situation; however, here is some basic information to get you started.

Assisted living costs will vary based on the type of services you need the monthly. In general, you can expect to spend between $3,000 and $9,000 a month. The expense also includes:

•    A daily meal or meals
•    Housekeeping/cleaning services
•    Building and apartment maintenance services
•    Utilities (water, gas & electric)
•    Security is provided at all our communities
•    Access to community enrichment activities

There may also be a small admission fee which goes toward the costs of establishing the programs, helping with move-ins, and setting up care services for new residents.

Financial Qualification

Financial qualification is based on many factors mainly your age and care needs. It’s a false statement that moving into assisted living requires signing over all your assets along with your home. At United Methodist Homes, we review many factors while determining your financial eligibility to enter our communities. Your home may be a part of financial qualifications factors, but we never ask you to give us any ownership of your house. Nonetheless, if the value of your house was used as part of your financial qualification you will be required to maintain that asset to pay for your stay.

Financial Help

There are costs of long-term care and assisted living government programs that can be benefit qualified individuals. And, veterans may qualify for Aid and Assistance programs, which can pay at least some of the costs of assisted living. Please note there are eligibility requirements for government assistance.

We have assisted living communities throughout New Jersey. For more information, please visit http://www.umh-nj.org/

Moving your loved one to Assisted Living? Read Now…

Moving your loved one to an assisted living is an important decision and talking about can be difficult. But remember, even though it is hard, at the end it can reduce stress or the need of an emergency. If you are facing the same problem, follow the below tips:

•    Conduct thorough research
•    Have an open conversation with all of those effected by the decision
•    Talk when all those involved are well rested
•    Call your family physician, clergy member or a family friend to join the discussion
•    Give chance to your loved one to express their desires and concerns
•    Don't expect an immediate decision

Remember it’s important to give your loved one time to assess the matter and understand all the facts. It may even be necessary to have several discussions as you make this decision together.

Making the Transition

The transition to assisted living can be emotionally taxing, even if everyone is in agreement. Supporting your loved one through the transition is crucial. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

•    Don’t ignore their feelings. If your loved one has concerns, take it seriously.
•    Work together to deal with the concerns. While your loved one will likely go through a period of adjustment after moving into an assisted living facility, don’t disregard their complaints as just a part of the transition process.
•    Help your loved one settle in and personalize their space. Select meaningful possessions to give the new living space a touch of home.
•    Stay in regular contact. Even though your loved one is in good care at their assisted living community, you should make it a point to reach out and include them in family outings and events whenever possible. Call or email them regularly.

At United Methodist Homes in NJ our communities provide safety and security with around the clock support and monitoring all while maintaining the dignity and independence of our residents. To learn more about our communities and assisted living services visit http://www.umh-nj.org/.

Forever in Our Hearts, John B.L. Schopfer, (1952 – 2014)

John, a member of Clarksboro Masonic Lodge 87 and a devout United Methodist is survived by his wife and five children. He worked at UMH Collingswood Manor for 33 but knew of Collingswood Manor well before his relationship with us. John first came to Collingswood Manor with the youth group from the United Methodist Church in Haddon Heights to entertain residents.

In 1979, when he was looking for a full time day job, John applied for employment at Collingswood. His experience volunteering for other community organizations made it a perfect fit.

John credited his first administrator, Robert Hawthorne for encouraging him to join the UMH family. He was quoted explaining “One thing I like the most about this job is being able to prepare good healthy and safe food every day for the residents and associates.” His life’s work is a beautiful reminder of the UMH mission of compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life.

A previously undetected brain tumor discovered after his involvement in a car accident, caused him to leave Collingswood Manor and focus on his health. Regretfully, he passed away. May he rest in eternal peace in the presence of our Lord!

To find out more about United Methodist Homes assisted living services, amenities and staff visit us at www.umh-nj.org.

Wayne Ford A.K.A. Papa San, A NJ Martial Arts Community Icon

Papa San, has been a NJ martial arts community icon for 50 years. He is a karate teacher, trusted mentor and a loyal friend to parents, students, and contemporaries alike. Not to mention a celebrated resident at UMH Covenant Manor.

Wayne’s martial skills were first recognized as a young boxer on the 4th Street YMCA Boxing Team. After working four years in the U.S. Navy, he returned to the U.S. and dedicated his life to the study of martial arts.

Wayne trained under the Late Min Pai for five years, becoming his teacher’s favorite sparring partner. He remembers Min Pai striking him during a sparring session. “Min didn’t even move,” Wayne recalled. “However, after we got finished, he took me over in a corner and said, “You spar good. You just don’t hit hard enough!”

In 1964, he established his own school in Plainfield and after many years of teaching, Wayne met James Fain, a Black Belt Hall of Fame (International Association of Martial Arts) inductee and Grand Master in the American Goshi Shun Style. Through International Association of Martial Arts Papa San learned Aiki-Jujitsu, a demanding introspective form of Japanese jujitsu. He also perfected his skills in karate and excelled in Aiki-Jujitsu.

Papa San remembered, “When my formal training started with Fain, I was still a truck driver. Coincidentally, one of my deliveries was near his school in Newark. Fain was training with the Great Grand Master Dwight Wilson and he invited me to train for an introduction. The movement was so efficient with an entrancing focus and spirit. I enjoyed the conditioning and drills and knew this signaled something special in my martial arts training. I began again as a novice and that humility, has proven to be the best decision I ever made, for my martial arts and for my life.”

He began to study the true spirit of martial movement and explore an evolved level of discipline. Today, Papa San is an 8th degree black belt in both karate and Aiki-Jujitsu and a recognized Grand Master and a member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame.

At United Methodist Homes, we cherish the stories and experiences of our assisted living residents and associates alike. These caring and compassionate individuals contribute to the tight knit fabric of our communities. To find out more about assisted living at United Methodist homes visit us at www.umh-nj.org.

What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Are you among the many Americans 65 years or older, who wish to enjoy retirement without the added distraction and hassle of maintaining a home? Are you turned-off by the stigma of moving to a “senior facility?” United Methodist Homes of NJ can offer an answer with a look into a living arrangement known as a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community).  CCRCs, with multiple living options, can significantly increase your quality of life and security while preserving your assets for your loved ones.

What Can A CCRC Offer Me?

For those that aren’t familiar with the acronym CCRC, it stands for Continuing Care Retirement Community.   The State of New Jersey imposes specific requirements on organizations before they can be classified in this way. CCRCs are unique types of senior communities, dedicated to adults 65 years or older, that provide apartment style independent living accommodations as well as a continuum of care. “Continuum of care” implies that, even though a resident may not require any assistance initially, as their needs increase so can the care provided by the CCRC. In return for an entrance fee and a monthly service fee, a CCRC resident can live completely independently, but be in close proximity to social activities, have enhanced security, and gain access to incrementally greater assistance of all kinds as ongoing needs dictate. 

CCRCs provide many of the same things for active seniors that over 55 communities offer but with a few important distinctions:

1.      A CCRC provides access to more services and programs, more easily than an over 55 community.

2.      The buy-in for an apartment home in a CCRC is typically much less than buying a condo or townhome in an over 55 community.

3.      You don’t pay taxes or utility bills on your CCRC apartment home, just a monthly fee based on its size and the additional services you require, if any.  CCRC living is “all inclusive.”

4.      State licensed CCRC communities oftentimes offer a “Legacy Preservation” option which allows a large portion, usually 90% of the cost of the buy-in to be refunded to your estate when you die.

5.      In a CCRC you are easily able to incrementally transition to greater levels of personal and medical assistance as you age or needs change.

6.      CCRC fees typically include dinner in beautiful onsite dining rooms, access to a robust variety of senior activities, exercise programs, transportation assistance, concierge services and much more.

7.      At UMH CCRC residents have access to assisted living services.  Should your medical needs change, you are given priority into any of our assisted living programs.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Continuing Care Retirement Community?

Many seniors who choose to live in an independent living community, such as United Methodist Homes’ continuing care retirement community, Bristol Glen, may not initially require assistance with daily activities, but enjoy the peace of mind that comes with living in a secure community, access to continuing care, and the ready companionship of other seniors, along with numerous other benefits. 

These benefits include:

·        Independent Senior Living – CCRC style independent living lets you leave behind the chores and errands you no longer care to do so you can enjoy maintenance and worry-free living.

·        Socialization & Entertainment – Similar to a college campus, a CCRC offers direct access to a thriving hub of recreational activities and social engagement inside and outside of the community.

·        All Inclusive Rent – Downsizing will simplify your life by eliminating the ongoing taxes, utility and maintenance costs associated with home ownership.

·        CCRC Amenities – UMH’s CCRC,  Bristol Glen, includes amenities that you may previously not had access to such as fitness centers, movie theaters, bustling activities centers, and scenic grounds to name a few.  Bristol Glen resembles a rural college campus with 74 beautiful acres of wooded grounds, meadows, trails, gardens, and terraces for walking, sitting, and enjoying nature.

·        Assistance (if you need it) – CCRCs differ from other retirement communities in that they assure access to specific health care services, including long-term care, should the need arise.

·        Flexible Financial Options – NJ State licensed CCRC communities also offer flexible financial options, including programs that allow for a refundable equity payment.

Understanding the CCRC Living Arrangement

If you are a senior looking for a secure but independent lifestyle without the added stress and responsibility of managing a home, then a CCRC may be the right choice for you.  To find more about the services at Bristol Glen, visit our website at http://www.bristol-glen.umh-nj.org/.

Active Senior Living at UMH

Staying active is crucial to maintaining a high quality of life, even at an advanced age. United Methodist Homes of New Jersey (UMHNJ) is committed to improving the lives of our residents. A key development of our efforts in this regard is our recent SeniorFITness program roll out at The Shores at Wesley Manor (Ocean City).
SeniorFITness, the multidisciplinary program built to be both fun and functional for older adults is managed by professional exercise physiologists. It includes activities to improve strength, balance, mobility and mental well-being for residents.
Overall there are huge benefits for those that participate in SeniorFITness. Residents will learn the how and why behind the program’s movements and activities. Also working on balance and stretching help them to prevent injuries and increases the longevity of completing their routine activities without any help. Physical exercise also presents a great avenue to meet others and take on age appropriate physical challenges in a friendly supportive environment.
We believe that cognitive, physical and social activity work together in establishing overall health lay at the core of the resident offerings. Finally, all the five assisted living communities which maintain a wide variety of optional programs is committed to keep seniors active and strong implements SeniorFITness. For more information about UMH assisted living services, visit www.umh-nj.org.

Benefits of Assisted Living at United Methodist Homes

Aging is inevitable but it doesn’t have to be unenjoyable! There is a substantial difference between existing, just getting by and REALLY living.  In an assisted living community such as United Methodist Homes you can maintain your independence and start to really live again.

An assisted living community, as the name implies helps residents in their daily activities and medical care support in a comfortable and private residential setting. Here seniors are provided with many recreational and social opportunities, transportation, apartment maintenance and housekeeping services.

Perhaps the number one reason that seniors transition from their own homes to an assisted living community is the freedom gained, relieving of the responsibilities and costs of maintaining a home, its contents and grounds. It also eliminates the utility and maintenance costs, and ongoing taxes with home ownership. In addition, assisted living minimizes personal works, maximizing the time to pursue other long-delayed desires.

UMHNJ assisted living is apartment or condo style living. The overall assisted living experience at UMHNJ is one where an individual has more options to rediscover their life and can confidently do more of the things they’ve always wanted to do.  All in an environment that enhances a person’s security, dignity, and independence. Visit www.umh-nj.org today and start living again.

Is Assisted Living Right For You?

Assisted living is a senior living option for those who need help with their basic daily activities including administering medications, cooking meals, getting to the bathroom in the middle of the night or housekeeping chores. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help determine if assisted living is right for you:

•    Do you have feelings of loneliness or isolation?

•    Are you worried for your safety?

•    Are you finding it increasingly difficult to maintain your home?

•    Do you need support that family and friends aren’t able to provide?

If you’re concerned about what might happen if you fall down, get injured or experience any other problem when you are alone at home, then assisted living is the right choice. It provides security of 24 hour support and monitoring. Moreover, assisted living provides a home-like environment, without the burden and stress of home maintenance.

If the activities of daily living have grown stressful and the support from family and friends is still not enough to bridge the gap then assisted living may be right for you. An active life leads to a healthy and happy living. And that’s what an assisted living offers you. It provides opportunity to make new friends and live life to the fullest.

Constructive Discussions about Your Assisted Living Decision

Moving to an assisted living is a very important decision so make sure to include your family or close friends in the discussion. Here are some tips for ensuring construction discussions:

•    Initiate discussions when you and your family are well rested.

•    Provide your loved ones with research and information.

•    Allow your family to be part of the decision-making process. Answer their questions and listen to their concerns.

At United Methodist Homes in NJ our communities provide the safety and security of around the clock support and monitoring all while maximizing your dignity and independence. To learn more about our communities and assisted living services visit http://www.umh-nj.org/.

If You Don’t Use It, You Lose It

Are you worried you or your elderly loved one is not aging as well as they could be? Staying active mentally, physically and socially is crucial to maintaining quality of life especially at an advanced age.  Here are some ways to ensure healthy aging:

Mind

Our brain is stimulated by regular activities such as reading, writing and puzzle solving. Keeping the mind challenged and sharp slows the onset of cognitive impairment such as memory loss. You may consider these activities as granted but as we age it becomes even more vital to maintain that regular brain stimulation.

Here are few suggested mind stimulation activities by us:

•    Learn to play a musical instrument or learn a new language

•    Sustainable hobbies: quilting, photography, reading, writing letters or journal entries, painting, or playing word games

•    Tap into spirituality, including meditation, stress reduction, prayer or contemplation activities

Body

Keeping your brain and body sharp involves a lifestyle of wellness and well-being. This includes eating a healthy and well-balanced diet while also staying active. As we age it can be harder to engage in basic activities such as walking, sitting down or standing up without assistance. One way to minimize the need for assistance or to prevent the need for assistance as long as possible is to participate in physical activity every day such as:

•    Yoga

•    Stretching

•    Walking

•    Swimming

Social Activity

Social interaction is a great way to keep your body and mind active. So, it is advised to get engaged in life through community involvement, opportunities and interacting with others to find purposefulness in life. We also suggest the following:

• Joining a book club

• Volunteering

• Joining a fitness class

• Choosing hobbies that are not always solitary

At United Methodist Homes, all of our communities maintain a wide variety of optional programs dedicated to keeping seniors active and strong. To find out more about healthy senior assisted living at United Methodist Homes visit http://www.umh-nj.org

Is Your Elderly Loved One Feeling SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months when the days are shorter and colder. Sadly, elderly individuals with restricted mobility or that are homebound are at increased risk for SAD. Although the exact cause for SAD is unknown some mental health professionals believe it is related to a decreased exposure to natural sunlight and time spent outdoors. 

Fortunately you can make a huge difference in the happiness and well-being of your loved one with these helpful tips: 

•    Welcoming more natural light into the space where your loved one spends most time
•    Try to bring more life into the space by adding a variety of plants 
•    Accent pieces with bright colors to bring new life to spaces 
•    Maintaining well-rounded diet packed with nutrients may lessen the symptoms
•    Walk around indoors or outdoors (weather permitting)

United Methodist Homes of NJ is dedicated to maintaining the physical and mental well-being of our residents.  Our social model of senior living encourages residents to take part in various social activities within and outside our homes. Further, the dedicated staff found at all of our full service assisted living communities contributes to a stimulating and nurturing environment.

From Independent Living to various levels of assisted living services our homes provide an opportunity for seniors to meet new friends and life a full life- even during the cold weather months. To find out more about our services visit us at http://www.umh-nj.org.

What Makes A Great Assisted Living Facility?

United Methodist Homes has been providing assisted living services in New Jersey for over 100 years.  Our longevity and success is attributed to a strong foundation of compassionate associates and the resident-centered assisted living model of our full service communities across New Jersey.

Continued Investment in Training and Development

Your loved one won’t just receive caregiving from a certified and highly professional staff; they will receive caring giving from compassionate professionals committed to senior care. To ensure the best in senior living care we are dedicated to the growth and success of our associates. Presently, UMH offers newly hired associates an orientation, followed by periodic on-the-job training. Also our tuition reimbursement program gives associates the opportunity to seek higher level education. This and other learning and recognition opportunities provide associates with programs that strengthen their skills and abilities.

Resident-Centered Assisted Living

The Homes’ resident-centered assisted living model provides customized care based on the individual needs of every resident in a warm homelike environment.  We provide care for the aging that goes beyond traditional nursing home care. Our philosophy is based on the principle of "abundant life" and extends to include every aspect of support for the aged and their families. We offer six different levels of assisted living, with many special customizations possible within those levels. The full range of services at United Methodist Homes includes independent living, residential living, assisted living, memory support, respite and hospice care. For those needing a nursing home level of care, skilled nursing is also available, which includes long-term care and short-term rehabilitation.

We welcome individuals of every faith and individuals from every walk of life. Come and see what the UMH experience is all about, visit us at http://www.umh-nj.org.

Robbie Voloshin is Corporate Director of Marketing & Sales.

Welcome to United Methodist Homes in New Jersey

United Methodist Homes has been providing exceptional senior care for over 100 years. As a faith based organization, the United Methodist Homes is committed to its communities, associates, volunteers, and residents. Our philosophy is based on the principle of "abundant life" and extends to every aspect of support in our full service Independent and Assisted Living facilities and Senior Housing Communities.

Senior Living in Pursuit of an Abundant Life

The mission of United Methodist Homes has been essentially unchanged since its inception at the beginning of the 20th century; compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life.

All ten of our NJ senior living facilities adhere to our values of compassion, respect, stewardship and service.  With this in mind we seek to maximize each resident’s independence to the fullest.  We offer customized care with a level of assisted living services that you define, for senior living with true independence and dignity.

The pursuit of abundant life can also be found in our social model of senior living.  Research indicates that social interaction can vastly improve quality of life for assisted living residents. At UMH we gently encourage residents to partake in the many sponsored social activities that exist within all of our assisted living facilities.

We are very proud of our mission and our approach to senior living. Please visit us today at http://www.umh-nj.org