Five Benefits Of Independent Living Communities For Aging Seniors

If you are concerned with the safety and security of your elderly loved one, you might want to consider independent living. Independent living, found within a Continuing Care Retirement Community, is ideal for individuals who can still live without assistance, but enjoy the peace of mind of having access to assistance when needed. In this post we will discuss five key benefits of independent living at United Methodist Homes Bristol Glen.

Benefits found at UMH Bristol Glen Continuing Care Community

1. Senior-friendly housing – With high-quality, apartment living, seniors are able to downscale from costly, high-maintenance houses with ease. Accommodations at Bristol Glen are designed for easy navigation (whether a resident is mobile, using a walker or in a wheelchair), compact and free of potential hazards.
2. Social Interaction – Independent living at Bristol Glen encourages residents to participate in the community at a level where they are comfortable. With year-round events, movie nights, clubs, fitness centers, and a barber shop/beauty salon, all on your doorstep, you can easily reach out and connect with the rest of the community and your peers.
3. Safety & Security –In the basic sense this means protecting access to the community and its residents. It also means insuring that our residents’ needs are met and emergencies are discovered and responded to in a timely fashion. At Bristol Glen CCRC we solve this by taking care of all maintenance, offering 24-hour safety and security systems.
4. Free Time – The most common reason that seniors transition from their own homes to Bristol Glen independent living is the freedom gained. Downsizing from a large home minimizes personal chores, errands and time spent on home maintenance. Residents find that independent living gives them the time to pursue other long-delayed interests and hobbies.
5. Independence – Bristol Glen CCRC has the same goals as its residents – to keep them as independent as possible without infringing on dignity or privacy. This means we only provide the support as you need it, within the CCRC. Additional amenities include laundry services, housekeeping services and scheduled transportation, as well as 24-hour emergency response systems and skilled nursing staff.

At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, our aim is to ensure that each of our residents maintain their dignity, quality of life and independence. Our programs ensure residents are encouraged to get involved with the community at a level they are comfortable with and we tailor our services to ensure that each resident gets the help and support they require to live a full and happy life. For more information, please visit http://www.bristol-glen.umh-nj.org/ today.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/five-major-independent-living-benefits-for-seniors/

What Are The Living Arrangement Options For Independent Living At UMH Bristol Glen?

One of the most frequently asked questions at United Methodist Homes Bristol Glen is about the home features and options our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) offers. Here will discuss two residences under our banner, Metcalf Woods, an independent living community  and the Tice Pavilion, an assisted living community, which are designed to suit different needs. Both of these communities consist of apartments and offer a high-quality, condo-like style of living.

Features of the Metcalf Woods Apartments 

Designed for more independent residents, these apartment homes include fully equipped kitchens with full-size appliances and a washer and dryer. For the safety and peace of mind of our residents, these apartments also have 24-hour home emergency alert systems, fire safety sprinkler systems and smoke alarms.

In addition to community events and amenities, we also offer residents of these apartments weekly housekeeping and linen services, interior maintenance services, full grounds maintenance services and 24-hour security and access to home health services.

Features of the Tice Pavilion Apartments 

These apartments offer more advanced features for seniors requiring assisted living to maintain their independence, including bathrooms and walk-in showers equipped with seating and grab bars and an emergency call system. These apartments also feature wall-to-wall carpeting, a tea kitchen (refrigerator, sink and cabinets), high-quality window treatments and individually controlled heating and air conditioning. Fire safety and smoke alarm systems are also included.

Additional services for residents in these apartments include up to three meals a day in our dining room, weekly housekeeping and linen services, maintenance services for the apartment and grounds as well as onsite physical, occupational and speech therapies if required. These apartments also have 24-hour security and access to nursing care if needed (for an additional charge).

At UMH Bristol Glen CCRC, our aim is to preserve and support the independence and quality of life for our residents through customized, compassionate services and care. For more information about United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, visit our www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/what-are-the-living-arrangement-options-for-independent-living-at-umh-bristol-glen/

Understanding The Difference Between Independent Living And Assisted Living

Ultimately the choice between assisted living and independent living should be determined by the needs of your elderly loved one. If an aging adult has difficulties with daily activities or anticipates their needs changing in the near future, he or she may want to consider moving to an assisted or independent living community. To make the best decision, it is helpful to fully understand the differences between these lifestyle options.

What is Independent Living? 

Independent living is ideal for individuals who can still live without assistance but enjoy the peace of mind of having access to assistance when needed. Also known as Continuing Care Retirement Community living, an independent lifestyle minimizes personal chores and errands along with the costs and stress of home ownership.

Independent living services include:

• Housekeeping.
• Handyman/maintenance services.
• Meal options.
• 24-hour security, home alert system and access to nursing care.
• Utilities cost (excluding cable television and telephone).
• Transport services.
• Social activities within the community.
• Scalable services to increase support as and when it is required.

What is Assisted Living? 

Assisted living is designed for seniors who can no longer live safely on their own but don’t require advanced medical care like that provided by a nursing home. As part of an assisted living program, a resident would move into a private apartment in the community that offers an ideal living space – compact, easy to navigate and fitted with grab bars and a walk-in shower with seating.

Assisted living will ensure you stay as independent as possible with access to support services, including:

• Housekeeping.
• Handyman/maintenance services.
• Health monitoring.
• Up to three meals daily.
• Reminders for daily activities/medication reminders.
• Personal care and hygiene assistance.
• Transport services.
• 24-hour security, home alert system and access to nursing care.
• Onsite physical, occupational and speech therapies.
• Social activities within the community.

When considering senior living options, it is usually a good idea to plan with the future in mind. Bristol Glen offers both assisted and independent living options so residents can adjust their lifestyle based on their changing needs. For more information about United Methodist Homes of New Jersey visit www.uhm-nj.org

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/understanding-the-difference-assisted-living-independent-living/

Independent Living Or Assisted Living – How To Determine Which Senior Living Option Is Right For You Or Your Elderly Loved One

Finding the right senior living option is all about understanding your needs and determining the types of services that best fit those needs. Two of the most popular options are independent living and assisted living. Here’s a quick guide to each of these options to help you make an informed choice.

Is Independent Living Right for You? 

Independent living is all about keeping seniors healthy, active and safe. Ask yourself these questions and find out if this is the senior living option that suits you:

• Are you finding maintaining your home is becoming too much work?
• Is your home too big for you and are you looking to downsize?
• Are you looking for a community in which you can be active and make friends?
• Are you worried your current home has become unsuitable for  you (e.g. It has a lot of stairs or tripping hazards)?
• Do you want more time to pursue your interests and hobbies?
• Do you want access to trained home health services  if needed, but do not require medical attention?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then you are likely to be a good match for an independent living community. These communities are designed for healthy seniors who are looking to maintain their independence, remove the stress of owning and maintaining a house and have the freedom to enjoy their hobbies and social lives. Residents at Bristol Glen’s Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) enjoy spacious apartment homes, a host of onsite amenities and independent living with the fulfilling companionship of friends and neighbors. While independence and dignity are maximized, safety and security are also of utmost importance at all of our communities. At Bristol Glen an independent living lifestyle is combined with access to assisted living services and skilled nursing all under one roof. Residents feel safe and their loved ones can rest assured that all needs are being met.

Is Assisted Living Right for You? 

Assisted living is also focused on maintaining your independence and quality of life, but is generally more suited to seniors who require more support. Ask yourself these questions and find out if this is the senior living option that suits you:

• Is maintaining your home becoming stressful and expensive?
• Has your home become unsuitable to your needs (e.g. It has a lot of stairs) or is it too big?
• Do you have a medical condition that requires support?
• Do you require assistance with transport, bathing, dressing, meal preparation or medication administration?
• Do you want more time to pursue your interests and social activities?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to these questions, then you are likely to be a good match for an assisted living community. With a higher level of support and care, both medically and with daily tasks and errands, this is an ideal community for seniors who need additional support to maintain a high quality of life and independence. Assisted Living Services are offered to residents in all United Methodist Homes of New Jersey full service communities. Assisted living residents benefit from both medical and non-medical assistance as needed. Senior care services include housekeeping, medication assistance, health monitoring, reminders and/or assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, concierge services, and more.  

At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, our aim is to ensure that each of our residents maintain their dignity, quality of life and independence. Our independent living and assisted living communities ensure residents are encouraged to get involved with the community at a level they are comfortable with. We tailor our services to make sure each resident gets the help and support they require to live a full and happy life as they age. For more information please visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/independent-living-or-assisted-living-how-to-determine-which-senior-living-option-is-right-for-you-or-your-elderly-loved-one/