What are the differences between Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Communities?

When you are looking for a senior care and living option for yourself or a loved one, you’ll come across two very popular options: namely assisted living communities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities. But what do these options offer residents and how are they different?

A Guide to Assisted Living Communities 

Assisted living refers to care and daily living support offered to seniors in a comfortable, residential setting. These support services are tailored to the needs of each resident, giving them access to a wide range of assistance when needed. These services include:

• Daily living services – Housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, transport, dressing and bathing, as well as meal preparation.
• Medical care services – Medication assistance, health monitoring, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy as well as 24-hour access to nursing staff.

The living options found at United Methodist Homes of New Jersey assisted living communities are designed for seniors with different needs. All these residences are spacious, stair-free and easily navigable and some have walk-in showers, grab bars and other built in amenities. We offer different levels of assisted living, ranging from minor support to more intensive assistance, and residents upgrade their level of care as they require it.

A Guide to Continuing Care Retirement Communities 

These communities are characterized by their strong commitment to helping seniors stay as independent and active as possible, offering a wide range of amenities and social activities right on their residents’ door steps while removing the stress and costs associated with maintaining a house. An additional benefit of CCRCs such as United Methodist Homes Bristol Glen, is the availability of assisted living services if needed. This allows residents to change their level of care as they require it all under one roof.

At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, our aim is to ensure each of our residents maintain their dignity, quality of life and independence. Our programs encourage residents to get involved with the community at a level they are comfortable with and 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/what-are-the-differences-between-continuing-care-retirement-communities-and-assisted-living-communities/

Top Reasons Why Seniors Choose an Independent Living Lifestyle

For aging adults, the reason behind the choice to move to an independent living community, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), depends on their current health status and lifestyle requirements. This type of lifestyle is typically desired by aging adults who are relatively healthy and need minimal to no support to complete daily activities. What makes this option so attractive? Here are the reasons we most often hear:

• Staying active – Most seniors really value having a physically active life and would like to stay mobile for as long as possible. Independent living offers the ideal support for this, firstly through housing which minimizes the risk of falls and injury and secondly, through amenities such as hobby clubs, social gatherings, fitness centers which allow seniors to get active within their community and with peers their own age.
• Maintaining independence – Independent living communities are designed to keep seniors as independent as possible for as long as possible, allowing you or your loved one to maintain the lifestyle you prefer. In these communities, most of the support is aimed at reducing stress (maintenance, housekeeping, meals and laundry services, among others) in order to give you more time to spend on the pursuits you love.
• Safety – For many seniors, personal and medical security is understandably important. An independent living community offers both in a way that is highly efficient and unobtrusive. From easily navigable apartments, with smoke detectors and medical alert systems to 24-hour security and on-site home health services, seniors can relax knowing that support is right there when they need it.
• Scalable services – Moving can be difficult. This is why leading independent living communities offer scalable services which change to accommodate your needs, as required. In some cases, this allows seniors to stay independent and in the comfort of their own apartment throughout their stay in the community. If higher levels of care are required, they can be accessed under the same roof.

How to Find High-Quality Independent Living for Seniors 

At Bristol Glen CCRC, our aim is to ensure each of our residents maintain their dignity, quality of life and independence. Our programs encourages residents 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 contact Bristol Glen today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/top-reasons-why-seniors-choose-an-independent-living-lifestyle/

Things to Consider When Researching Continuing Care Retirement Communities in NJ

Finding the right Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) or independent living community for your elderly loved one or yourself can seem overwhelming. Understandably the process involves extensive research and knowing the right questions to ask. Many people looking for senior living options just aren’t exactly sure where to start – which is why we’ve developed this list of considerations to help you in your search.

• Location – When searching for a Continuing Care Retirement Community it is important to take stock of your current lifestyle and determine a suitable environment for your retirement years. For example, if a small town atmosphere surrounded by nature sounds appealing, you should definitely give Bristol Glen a visit.  We are located in the rustic countryside of Sussex County, NJ that sits peacefully on 74 beautiful acres of woodlands and meadows surrounded by mountains, lakes and state parks.
• Philosophy – One of the biggest concerns for people moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Community is how their freedom and lifestyle will be affected. United Methodist Homes of New Jersey takes a resident centered approach to senior living.  We match professional services with the needs of the individuals rather than a “one size fits all” approach. At Bristol Glen CCRC, and all of our communities, we emphasize social engagement and independence. Dignity and privacy are maximized for all residents.
• Customized Care – Often, communities utilize a one-size-fits-all approach to care regarding their residents. At United Methodist Homes of New Jersey, we embrace individual needs and requirements. We also recognize that residents’ needs may change over time. Independent living at Bristol Glen gives residents access to a wide range of care options to be used on an as need basis.
• Experience – Senior care is an area where experience counts both in terms of the care residents receive and in terms of you and your loved one’s peace of mind. For over 100 years United Methodist Homes of New Jersey has been providing high quality care to seniors. Our associates and staff are well trained and committed to the values of compassion, respect, stewardship and service. If that isn’t enough, Bristol Glen is also a recipient of the highly esteemed U.S. News and World Report’s Best Nursing Homes award for the past two consecutive years. It also won the 2015 New Jersey Herald, Readers’ Choice Gold Award.

Visit Our Independent Living Community Today

We welcome your visit and encourage you and your loved ones to tour Bristol Glen and see everything we offer firsthand. For more information, please contact UMH Bristol Glen today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally published at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/things-to-consider-when-researching-continuing-care-retirement-communities-in-nj/