How to start the conversation about assisted living

Starting the conversation about moving into an assisted living community can be a very difficult process for family members. Although your heart is in the right place, it is often a challenge for elderly parents to look at this change in a positive light. Here is some useful advice from assisted living specialists in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

1. Assess their situation: First, ask yourself why you are considering assisted living. Is it because your parents’ house is too big to manage and maintain? Has one of your parents developed a particular illness or condition that requires long term treatment? This will help you formulate your concerns when you speak to your parents – concerns that they likely share. If your parents are reluctant to move, find out exactly why that is and try to address it directly.
2. Don’t rush: The perfect time to start the conversation is when your parent or parents are still able to manage without care services. This makes the conversation low-pressure and non-threatening. It gives each person time to think about the options and consider each other’s opinions.
3. Make it about them: You may be the one bringing up the conversation, but it’s important to remember that it’s all about your parents. Ask them about their wishes – it’s all about you helping them. This makes it easier for them to talk about assisted living without feeling as if they are being forced into making the change.
4. Do your research: There are many types of assisted living communities out there, so it’s a good idea to do some research online and find communities that you feel would appeal to your parents. Look at the type of services offered, if they have a strong community feel or not, and what the living arrangements are like. Often, people have strong misconceptions about assisted living  – and the reality can be a pleasant surprise!
5. Get them involved: Many parents feel sidelined when it comes to finding an assisted living facility, so it’s best to keep them involved in the process as much as possible. For example, knowing that they would like to live by the sea, if they would like to attend lots of social and community events or would prefer an apartment to a room is all useful information that you can incorporate into your search.
6. Go for a personal tour: After you have found a few communities that look like they meet your criteria, take your parents for a personal tour. Not only does this give everyone a chance to see what daily life is like and what services are offered, it also gives you a chance to ask as many questions as you would like about everything from financing to their community life calendar.

Visit Francis Asbury for a personal tour of our assisted living community 

At United Methodist Communities at Francis Asbury, we encourage all prospective residents and their families to book a personal tour of our grounds and assisted living community. Our staff and residents pride themselves on a welcoming atmosphere as well as our professionalism, and are happy to answer your questions about our community and services.

In addition to assisted living, we also offer hospice and respite services, and are fully equipped to care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

For more information on Francis Asbury and our other New Jersey communities, please contact us today and request a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-to-start-the-conversation-about-assisted-living/

6 age-related eye conditions you need to know about

As we age, it’s common for our vision to change. With the right care, these changes can be properly managed and treated so that they don’t have a significant effect on your daily life. Read on for useful eye care advice from senior living specialists in Camden County, New Jersey.

Common senior eye health issues 

1. Glaucoma: Seniors are at higher risk of developing glaucoma, a group of diseases that cause damage to the eye’s optic nerve. Usually related to high pressure within the fluid of the eye, this serious condition can result in vision loss and blindness. The best way to control this disease is through early detection.
2. Dry eye: If you are experiencing burning, gritty, watery and generally irritated eyes, then you may have dry eye syndrome. This results from  insufficient tears or poor quality tears that can’t properly lubricate the eye. Your eye doctor will be able to prescribe the right eye drops to restore comfort and protect your vision.
3. Age-related macular degeneration: This disease causes the macula (the part of your eye that sees fine details and colors) to deteriorate. This will cause your central vision to worsen (making reading, watching TV and fine work like embroidery difficult) but does not effect your peripheral vision. Early detection is essential to controlling this disease and reducing severe permanent damage.
4. Presbyopia: This condition causes the lens of your eye to harden and/or the muscles around the eye to lose elasticity, resulting in difficulty when focusing on close-up objects. Your eye doctor can prescribe a variety of treatments including eyeglasses, contact lenses or laser surgery.
5. Retinal detachment: A change in the fluid in your eye can cause your retina (the tissue that senses light) to be pulled from its proper position. This is considered to be a medical emergency and it is essential that you get treatment as quickly as possible to avoid permanent loss of vision. Symptoms to be aware of include a sudden increase in floaters in your vision, light flashes in your eye or the sudden appearance of a curtain over your vision.
6. Cataracts: This is a condition that causes the lens in your eye to become clouded, causing your vision to become foggy and making it more difficult to see, especially at night. Usually, early cataracts can be treated by using eyeglasses and stronger lights while more severe cases can be treated in a very safe surgical procedure.

For seniors, it is more important than ever to visit an optometrist for an eye exam at least once a year. Your doctor will be able to keep a record of your eye health and conditions, advise you on how to keep your eyes healthy and provide specialist treatment for any conditions you may have.

Quality of life is the priority at our senior living facility in Camden County, New Jersey 

United Methodist Communities at Collingswood is dedicated to ensuring that seniors live full, independent lives and are encouraged to participate in our community to the degree they choose.

Our aging in place philosophy aims to help each resident live in their apartment home s long as possible, maintaining their dignity and comfort, while ensuring that care is available when needed. Our services are fully scalable to offer our residents the level of support they prefer, and include everything from meal preparation and housekeeping to medical reminders, medication assistance and skilled nurses on site 24/7.

For more information on Collingswood and our other New Jersey communities, please contact us today and request a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/6-age-related-eye-conditions-you-need-to-know-about/

When are respite services needed?

Simply speaking, respite care services are available for your loved one in any circumstance in which regular caregivers are unavailable. These services also allow caregivers, especially family caregivers, to take a well-deserved break from their duties as well as provide more  specialized medical or therapeutic care on a temporary basis. Here are some great examples from respite care service providers in Sussex County, New Jersey:

• Recovery from medical procedures: If your elderly loved one has to undergo a medical or surgical procedure that requires post-operative care, a respite staycan deliver the additional care and rehabilitation services required. With medically trained and experienced caregivers available to support your loved one, you will have peace of mind.
• Travel and holidays: Being a caregiver shouldn’t prevent you from travelling for business or enjoying a holiday. Respite caregivers can provide the services and support your loved one needs while you attend to other important commitments.
• Moving home: Moving into a new home is a busy and stressful experience that often leaves little time for other commitments. With respite services, you can rest assured knowing that your loved one’s care and companionship needs will be met while you make this transition. This will make the move far less stressful for both you and your loved one.
• Making the transition to assisted living: If you are interested in trying out senior living but do not want to make the full commitment until you are sure that it will work for you, then respite care is the answer. With no long term obligations, you and your loved one can explore the community, find out more about our services and meet the neighbors, commitment-free.

Enjoy expert respite care services in Sussex County, New Jersey 

At United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen, we’re dedicated to providing high quality respite services that deliver both individualized care as well as companionship in a secure and nurturing environment. With a welcoming atmosphere and a lively senior and staff community, your loved one will be in the best possible hands while enjoying their stay with us.

In addition to respite services, we also offer independent living, assisted living, hospice, and long term care, and are able to offer memory care and support services to Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

For more information on Bristol Glen and our additional communities, please contact us today and request  a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/when-are-respite-services-needed/

Caring for your eye health as you age

Our eyes, like the rest of our bodies, are not immune to the aging process. However, there are a few things we can do to give our eyes the proper support they need to stay healthy. Read these tips on caring for your eyes as you age from assisted living specialists in South Jersey.

• Maintain good nutrition: Eating healthfully is key to preserving your eyesight. Prioritize foods that are rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and C, like leafy green vegetables, eggs, nuts, and oily fish (mackerel, tuna and salmon).
• Cut down on alcohol: Overconsumption of alcohol negatively affects health in a number of ways and may trigger free-radical reactions that are damaging to the macula (the eye tissue that allows you to see detail and color).
• Reduce your sugar and fat intake: While sugar may create the same free-radical reactions as alcohol, too much fat in your diet can directly affect blood flow in your arteries. This restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your organs, including your eyes. Too much sugar also increases your risk of developing diabetes, which is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
• Quit smoking: Smoking has been linked to high risks of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage and macular degeneration, so it’s best to try and kick the habit as soon as possible.
• Invest in some good quality sunglasses: Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays increases your chances of cataracts and macular degeneration. Be sure to invest in a pair of sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB rays, as poor quality sunglasses can actually increase your UV ray exposure.

Care, comfort and compassion at our assisted living  community in South Jersey 

At United Methodist Communities at The Shores, we offer comprehensive assisted living services that actively promote our philosophy of ‘aging-in-place’. Our service model is scalable to allow you or your loved one the right level of support as needs change over time, while our apartment-style accommodation ensures the maximum amount of comfort and independence.

In addition to our assisted living communities, we also offer comprehensive hospice services and respite, and are fully able to serve the needs of Alzheimer’s and dementia residents.

For more information on The Shores and our other New Jersey communities, please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/caring-for-your-eye-health-as-you-age/