Can Assisted Living Balance the Needs of Couples?

Starting the process of finding a good assisted living community is all about evaluating your loved one’s needs, but what about couples with different requirements?

Here are some tips for finding the right fit from our assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ:

• Find a flexible facility. Assisted living comes with a cost often based on the amount of services provided for residents. It’s going to be wasteful to make payments when one of your parents doesn’t even require them. Therefore, it’s important to find a community that provides customized support to each individual. That way, you pay only for services that are needed.
• Note additional individual and couple requirements. There’s more to a great assisted living community than the support services for daily living, and these factors are just as important to your decision. Many communities offer social and other events, like gardening, dancing and walking clubs, fitness classes and interesting speakers. Others, by virtue of their locations, yield the ability to walk independently to shops, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, and parks. Since these options significantly impact independence and quality of life, couples will benefit from evaluating these factors.
• Living arrangements. It’s important for senior couples to stay together in their apartment within the community if they choose to, rather than separate according to their different medical or support requirements. At the same time, the residence needs to be suitable and properly equipped to meet each person’s needs. This might mean some compromise on each side — for example, having grab handles installed in the bathroom when only one needs them — but shouldn’t compromise any care requirements.
• Flexible future needs. While there may be a care disparity now, this can change over the years. The community you choose needs to be able to anticipate and meet new care requirements as they happen. Unless it is absolutely necessary, they also need to be able to do this without causing major disruption to either person’s lifestyle.

Flexible, comfortable assisted living for couples in Gloucester County 

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality assisted living services in a comfortable, well-supported and beautiful environment. As part of the United Methodist Communities’ network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, hospice care,respite care and memory care and support services. We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/. Contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/can-assisted-living-balance-needs-couples/

Special Home Caregiving Services for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients

An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis is a challenge to deal with for the patient and loved ones. As the disease progresses, patients will require different levels of care and support to stay healthy, comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life. Our senior home care services team can provide some insight into the care and companion services for your loved one.

Types of at home care 

A common misunderstanding about at home care is that it is limited to medical care, but actually, there are a few different types of care designed to provide assistance wherever it’s needed. These include:

• Companion services. A home health aide supervises certain activities – like recreation, grocery shopping, social visits and more. These are great for seniors who need help with transport, remembering appointments, and so forth.
• Homemaker services. Going one step further, these help your loved one manage their household. This is ideal for seniors who are more frail, recovering from an illness/surgery, or struggling with their memory. It covers daily household chores, meal prep and cooking, and generally managing the home.
• Personal care services. This covers assistance with bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, exercising, and other activities.
• Skilled nursing care. These focus on your loved one’s medical needs, including wound care, medication management and so forth.

Certified home health aide services are tailored to your loved one’s needs 

When it comes to these services, many seniors require some of one and a little of another, so it’s important to find a provider who can tailor services to fit individual requirements. Because Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive diseases with specific symptoms, your experienced aide will not only be able to cope with the challenges your loved one faces, but also play an active role in their care. This means proposing and performing therapies to assist your loved one, keeping in contact with family members, and offering recommendations when your loved one’s care requirements change.

Compassionate care from experienced home health aide services in New Jersey 

At United Methodist Communities in New Jersey, we understand the challenges of providing expert care and companionship to seniors while encouraging a full and independent life, which is why we’ve developed our HomeWorks program.

Through this program, trained and highly experienced staff can assist seniors and their families through comprehensive in home care. Each care plan is designed around the client’s exact needs, filling in with necessary assistance while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home.

In addition to helping with daily tasks, transport and personal hygiene, our senior home care services team can assist with nursing, medication management and much more. For dementia and Alzheimer’s patients, we can develop specific care routines that ensure a sense of structure and help reduce stress and anxiety.

For more information on our in-home care for elderly, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/elderly-home-health-care-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/special-home-caregiving-services-alzheimers-dementia-patients/

Fun Activities for Grandkids Visiting Your CCRC

The holidays are a wonderful time for families to get together for some quality time, but it can be a challenge to keep younger children occupied while they’re visiting their grandparents.

Here are a few ideas for fun activities everyone can enjoy together, from our team at our CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) in Sussex County, New Jersey:

• There are so many wonderful books out there for younger children that adults also enjoy, from the “Harry Potter” series to the classics like “Nancy Drew” or “The Gruffalo.” Sitting down together and reading a book is a quiet, but fun way to spend a few hours together.
• Pajama parties. Snuggle up together on a chilly winter night, eat snacks and watch Christmas movies! Pick a few special treats for the night, like popcorn, homemade cupcakes or pizza, and get ready for a night in.
• Deck the halls. Decorating your apartment and Christmas tree creates special memories with your grandkids and initiates magical results. There are many little handmade decorations for children who love arts and crafts, and they’ll transform your home with tinsel, lights and more!
• Many adults have wonderful memories of baking with their grandparents, even if they spent most of their time sneaking cookie dough and dropping flour all over the floor. While it’s a messy event, your grandkids will love the tasty results! For younger grandchildren, you can even pre-bake cookies and set up a decorating station for an easier and more child-friendly day.
• Lend a helping hand. The festive season is about community and sharing, so introducing your grandkids to how they can help those around them brings the spirit of the holidays to life. There are lots of age-appropriate activities available, from helping make cookie deliveries to older members of your CCRC who don’t have family around, to helping at a local soup kitchen.

Festive season fun at our CCRC and assisted living community in Sussex County 

Bristol Glen, an independent senior living community based in Sussex County, is part of the United Methodist Communities network of high-quality, non-profit senior living communities specializing in independent and assisted living for seniors. We provide seniors with comfortable, serviced living arrangements that free up time to enjoy life. At our continuing care retirement community we provide essential resources that promote independence and abundant life.

Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living facilities, amenities and services. Please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/fun-activities-grandkids-visiting-ccrc/

Great Christmas Gift Ideas for Loved Ones in Assisted Living

Finding the perfect gift for your friends and family can be a challenge, including buying for seniors in assisted living – after all, they have had a whole lifetime of gifts!

Here’s a list of some practical ideas from our team at our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ to help you out with your holiday shopping:

• Time together. Spending time with your loved one is one of the best gifts you can give, from having them over for a festive event or planning something special for the New Year. You can make it as simple as spending a few hours visiting or take your loved one out to a local restaurant, art gallery or park. One fun idea is a memory tour to visit all the places your loved one grew up.
• Books. Books are always a wonderful present and great selections come out every year in time for the festive season. Many are offered in large print, but there are other options if your loved one struggles with their vision. Kindle eBooks can be downloaded and resized to very large text and there are audio books too.
• A personalized calendar. If you want something really unique, this is a wonderful option that you can fill with family photos. You can choose images from your own collections or even plan a fun, professional photo shoot.
• Homemade treats. If you love baking, then this is a lovely idea that is both personal and tasty! If you have kids, you can also get the whole family involved in decorating, baking or assembling your loved one’s favorite baked goodies.
• Something snuggly. Seniors struggle with the cold and winter holidays are the perfect opportunity to get your loved one something warm. A high-quality sweater, warm slippers with a good grip on the bottom, a thick scarf or a lovely throw all make very useful and beautiful gifts.
• Hobby items. For seniors who have a favorite hobby, look for items that are designed to help them stay involved. Ergonomic gardening tools and kneelers help make gardening more comfortable, and there are great outdoor walking sticks that look good and help keep seniors more stable while hiking or on walking tours.

Residential and assisted living for seniors at our beautiful Camden County community 

Collingswood is part of the United Methodist Communities network of high-quality, non-profit senior living communities specializing in residential and assisted living for seniors. With an experienced senior care and assistance team, scalable services customized to each resident’s needs, and a lively social calendar, we focus our community to provide essential resources that promote independence and abundant life.

To find out more about United Methodist Communities or our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ, please visit our website at http://collingswood.umcommunities.org/ or contact us and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/great-christmas-gift-ideas-loved-ones-assisted-living/

Family-Friendly Activities for Everyone – Including Seniors!

The holiday season is here and with it comes a month filled with wonderful events for families! Here are some of the top picks from our in-home senior care team in NJ:

• The 38^th Annual Holiday Craft Show at The Hermitage. Stock up on unique, beautifully-crafted décor and holiday gifts for the festive season, all lovingly handmade by artisans from all over the USA. Many are one-of-a-kind, and in addition to Christmas wreaths, Santa Clauses and tree ornaments, they offer décor stands for Chanukah, Thanksgiving and even Halloween. It’s located in the Hermitage Education and Conference Center. Proceeds support the Hermitage Museum, located at 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. These beautifully imaginative stories are brought to life by a troupe of enchanting puppets for a magical 1-hour show. Fun for kids and adults alike, this show is a real treat featuring several stories from this acclaimed series. The production will be held at the DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15 Street, New York, New York.

• DiDonato’s Magical Express. Enjoy a train ride through millions of lights and meet Santa at his workshop! Filled with the Christmas spirit, this holiday village occurs at the DiDonato Family Fun Center, 1151 White Horse Pike in Hammonton, and runs from November 10 to 26 and December 1 to 23. There will also be an after-Christmas special on the 26^th for anyone who doesn’t want to miss out. In addition to the Christmas train, there’s also bowling, great restaurants and more.

• The Butterfly Conservatory. Escape the snows of winter and come and see the magnificent butterflies of the tropics at this wonderful exhibit. Celebrating its 20^th year, you can expect to mingle with over 500 fluttering butterflies among the flowers and lush vegetation of a tropical paradise. It’s on from October 7 to May 28 at the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79^th Street, New York, New York.

• Music at the Museum. If you’re a family with older children or are planning an evening out for adults, this is a fantastic event to attend. Featuring classical and jazz performers from the Mason Gross School of the Arts Extension Division and hosted at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers, 71 Hamilton St, New Brunswick. Although these performances are free to the public, be sure to get there early as seating is limited. Performances are held on the second Sunday of every month, from October 15 to March 18.

Professional senior independent home care for a companionable festive season 

Our senior home care services team knows that the holidays are a time for companionship and family, so we work to ensure that your loved one is cared for throughout the holiday season. Whether you need a permanent in-home senior care specialist or need someone qualified and experienced to assist your loved one with in home respite care while you are on vacation, we are here to help through our HomeWorks program. Our fully certified staff has extensive senior care training and experience, so feel free to ask for formal certification and references.

For more information on our senior independent home care services NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/family-friendly-activities-everyone-including-seniors/

Coping With Grief during the Holidays

The holiday season is here, and for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, this can be an especially difficult time of year. Everywhere, messages about spending time with the ones we love are abundant, and bring into focus the loved ones who will not be celebrating with us, which can lead to intense feelings of sorrow.

Here are some coping strategies from the team at our hospice neighborhood in South Jersey to help make this season more manageable:

• Remember that grief and healing go hand-in-hand. Grief is an integral part of the healing process, and choosing to experience the pain rather than shutting it away is a healthier path to healing. Over time, this will help make the holiday season easier.
• Acknowledge your loss. Remembering the one you’ve lost and expressing your feelings can help make them a part of the festive season and lead to traditions in which they are kept close to your and other people’s hearts. Set aside some time or a task and make it all about that someone special and choose something that reminds you of them. For example, lighting a candle in church or at your family dinner table, opening a bottle of their favorite drink, serving a favorite dish, or playing their favorite music.
• Set healthy boundaries. Don’t push yourself to have a perfect holiday season, attend every event, and embrace every occasion with a smile on your face. Instead, give yourself a break if you find an event too painful, or need some time by yourself. Pick and choose what events you feel comfortable with, and keep your options open. You might prefer a quiet evening in with family looking at photo albums and watching movies, rather than a big social event with lots of people. Don’t feel obligated that you have to attend an event if it’s too difficult or painful for you.
• Speak openly with family and friends. Everyone experiences grief differently, and communicating your concerns and feelings to your loved ones is especially important during the holidays. Your support network can help ease the burden of the holiday season, from helping you to create new traditions in remembrance of your loved one, to understanding why you need time and space from certain events.

Professional care and support from Bridges, our hospice and palliative care neighborhood in Cape May County, NJ 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit assisted living organization in New Jersey, we offer compassionate, professional care in the Jersey Shore area in a neighborhood called Bridges, dedicated to hospice and palliative care. In this program, we focus on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice neighborhood in South Jersey, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org or contact us today and arrange your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/coping-grief-holidays/

Hospice care, the shores, hospiice cap may  county, hospice care south jersey, hospoce in south jersey. 

Grief Support Programs for Hospice Loved Ones

The death of a loved one has a profound effect on those left behind, and processing these changes and emotions is not something that anyone should go through alone. Realizing hospice care is just as much about supporting loved ones through this time as it is about caring for patients, these facilities offer grief support programs which provide the compassion, comfort and care needed after a loved one passes away.

Why mourning is important 

Bereavement and grief after a loved one passes is a natural part of the mourning process. Studies show that each person experiences this process in their own, unique way. It’s important to give yourself time to mourn the loss of a loved one, as this is part of acknowledging your loss and the change in your life, as well as remembering your loved one and developing a new identity for yourself.

How support groups help this process 

Losing a loved one is a traumatic experience, whether sudden or the result of a long illness. Grief support groups play an important role in the journey of healing from this trauma by creating a safe haven where people can express their emotions and comfort others who are going through a similar experience — it’s a space of understanding, emotional support and advice.

These programs are especially helpful for anyone who lacks support from friends or family, are geographically far away from their support structure, wants to learn more about the grief process, or wants relief from their emotional state. They are non-judgmental, informative and compassionate communities where anyone who has lost a loved one can get a better understanding of the process they are going through, and learn from others in similar situations.

Compassionate care for patients and their loved ones at our hospice in South Jersey 

The Shores, part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit assisted living organization in New Jersey, offers a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in South Jersey called Bridges. This program focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about hospice care in the Jersey Shore area, please visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org and contact us today to arrange your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/grief-support-programs-hospice-loved-ones/ 

Be Aware and Save Lives: Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms

When it comes to strokes, every second counts towards preventing permanent damage and saving lives. Here’s what you need to know from our senior home health care services team about this medical condition in order to act quickly.

F-A-S-T – The easy way to recognize stroke symptoms 

The four letters F-A-S-T, spells out the symptoms of a stroke and are key to saving lives. Here’s what they mean:

F = FACE DROOPING. Watch for one side of the face starting to droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile to check for unevenness.

A = ARM WEAKNESS. One arm feeling weaker or numb. To test, ask the person to raise their arms up in front of them and see if their one arm drifts down or has difficulty responding.

S = SLURRED SPEECH. Difficulty speaking and articulating words. Test the person by asking them to repeat a short sentence like, “The grass is green.”

T = TIME. If someone shows one or more of the above symptoms, it’s time to call 9-1-1. This is vital even if you are unsure or if the symptoms seem to be going away, as time is absolutely vital for effective medical treatment.

Additional symptoms may include vision trouble, sudden dizziness or trouble walking, severe headache or numbness on one side of the body.


What is a stroke? 

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This prevents vital organs, like the brain, from getting needed oxygen and nutrients and very quickly results in damage to the organ. This is a very serious event, as the affected part of the brain may never fully recover from the damage and, if the stroke is severe enough or not treated quickly enough, the patient may die.

In fact, strokes are the fifth most common cause of death in the USA, killing around 140,000 Americans each year. Because many of these deaths and stroke-related injuries can be prevented if patients are treated as quickly as possible, knowing the FAST checklist is so essential.

Stroke risk factors 

While a stroke can happen to anyone, these risk factors make a stroke more likely:

• African-Americans are twice as likely as whites to have a first stroke, and have the highest mortality rate.
• Younger age groups are increasingly at risk of stroke, but the highest age group at risk are people over 65.
• Women are more likely to have a stroke than men.
• Health conditions and lifestyle. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, low physical activity, and heart disease all increase stroke risks.

Expert, compassionate at home care for the elderly in NJ 

At United Methodist Communities, one of New Jersey’s leading home health aide servicesorganization, we strive to offer the very best quality senior homecare options, from assisted living to in-homecare through our HomeWorks program. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides them, their families and caregivers, personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence. In addition to daily home care, we also offer pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support in the home.

For more information on our senior home health care services or to find a qualified home health aide in New Jersey, please contact us today or visit our website athttps://homeworks.umcommunities.org.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/aware-save-lives-stroke-warning-signs-symptoms/

When is the Right Time to Move into a CCRC?

Moving out of your home into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a big step, but it can be the best decision if you do it at the right time. Here’s some advice from the experts at our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey.

What is a CCRC all about?

These are communities managed by an organization that offers a continuum of care for seniors and provide wellness and lifestyle support. These services are only implemented when and if they are required. For example, independent seniors can remain in independent living for as long as possible before making the transition to assisted living.

For many seniors, housing is a priority attraction, as these communities usually offer separate, spacious apartments maintained and managed by the organization. This takes a load off in terms of worrying about a house that has become too big or impractical to manage.

Another central attraction is the services, from social activities and clubs to wellness programs like yoga and aerobics, all on-site and available to all residents who can participate.

CCRCs are not about scheduling or managing the lives of seniors. They’re about taking care of the “work” of life so seniors can spend as much time as possible on their own, independent endeavors. Whether traveling or socializing you’ll have the peace of mind that services possibly needed in future are available.

So, when is the best time to move into a CCRC? 

The truth is that it’s probably sooner than you think! The majority seniors who entered this new chapter of their lives reported it was the best decision they made, and that they should have done it sooner. It can seem like an overwhelming decision, but the younger you are, the easier the transition will be — and the more time you’ll have to find a community that perfectly fits.

Independent living for seniors at our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey 

Bristol Glen, a CCRC based in Sussex County, aims to provide seniors with comfortable, serviced living arrangements that free up time to enjoy life. Founded on a philosophy of aging in place, our continuing care retirement community residents enjoy a lifestyle model where that focuses on the needs of the resident.

Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living facilities, amenities and services, please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/right-time-move-ccrc/

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for Assisted Living

When you’re looking for an assisted living solution for a loved one, you want to be sure that you’re getting the best option available for them. Stay on track with your search by avoiding these common mistakes, and use this advice from our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ.

1. Being unrealistic about your loved one’s needs. None of us like to think about our loved ones getting older, because it makes us realize that we might not have as much time left with them in our lives. But, not taking a serious look at what kind of care they need now — and in the future — can mean bigger problems down the line. Try to be as objective as possible about the kind of help they need, and choose a facility that can increase their care level as it may be required.
2. Rushing into a decision. For many families, the realization that their loved one needs to move into assisted living is sudden— and often results in a rushed decision on choosing a facility. To put your loved one’s best interests first, it’s better to slow down and properly evaluate options. Be sure to visit at least three recommended assisted living communities, tour them on-site and be prepared to ask plenty of questions to make sure you have peace of mind about your decision.
3. Choosing your own tastes over theirs. This is a big temptation to overcome, especially if you’re paying the bill, but it’s important to remember that your loved one will be the resident — not you. Rather, speak to your loved one about what they like about the different facilities, from aesthetics and living arrangements to the programs.
4. Making close location a priority. It is important that you and other loved ones are close enough to visit, however, it shouldn’t override other communities that may be slightly further away, but far more suitable to your loved one. Finding the best fit for your loved one always trumps distance!
5. Forgetting to do your research. This is an important and long-term decision, so proper research is needed to get the right fit for your loved one. Start on the internet and have a look at options in your area, speak to friends and family about their loved ones in assisted living, and take notes about things that your loved one might need or enjoy. Then take the time to visit each facility in person, meet with the staff and talk over your points, then invite your loved one to view the best options with you.

Assisted living for seniors that preserves independence, health and well-being 

Collingswood is part of United Methodist Communities’ network of high-quality, non-profitassisted living communities specializing in residential and assisted living for seniors. With an experienced care and assistance team, scalable services customized to each resident’s needs, and a lively social calendar, our community focuses on essential resources that promote independence and quality of life.

To find out more about United Methodist Communities or our assisted living community, please visit our website at http://collingswood.umcommunities.org/ or contact us and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/five-mistakes-avoid-searching-assisted-living/

Celebrating Veterans Day with Seniors Who Served

Saturday, November 11^th, is a day to not only thank those who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, but also to remember veterans who are no longer with us. It’s a day of remembrance and celebration, and there are plenty of events and activities happening in the State of New Jersey and across the USA where you can join in with your loved ones. Here’s some essential information from our home health aide services team in NJ.

The America’s Parade, New York, NY 

This very well-known event is definitely worth the travel time to attend! Known as America’s biggest Veterans Day event, Buzz Aldrin, astronaut and Korean War veteran, will be Grand Marshall at the 2017 parade. This year’s featured military branch is the U.S. Air Force, and will showcase veterans of all eras with floats, military and vintage vehicles, bands and much more. It starts at 10 am and ends around 3:30 pm. With over 30,000 participants and crowds of over half a million spectators, this is an incredible event and a wonderful opportunity for honoring any veterans in your life. It is also a memorable outing for any family, including seniors!

Take senior veterans shopping for great discounts 

Veterans Day comes with big discounts for current and past members of the military, but seniors with transportation difficulties may struggle to participate. If you have a senior loved one who served, or know your senior neighborhood veterans, providing transportation and companionship is a great opportunity to thank them for their service! Many local museums, cinemas and restaurants also offer great deals for veterans on this day, so you can really make an experience of it all. Take a look at your local newspaper and social sites for participating stores and entertainment providers.

Proudly celebrating Veterans Day with the best in senior home care services 

At United Methodist Communities, one of the state’s leading home health aide agencies, we strive to offer the very best home health aide services in New Jersey through our HomeWorks program. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides them, their families and caregivers, personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence.

For more information on our at home healthcare agency or our residential in home respite care in NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/celebrating-veterans-day-seniors-served/

Diabetes in Seniors – Signs to Look for and Care Advice

November is Diabetes Month, so our assisted living team in Gloucester County, NJ, is sharing some important information to raise awareness about this serious disease and how it affects seniors to help us all live longer, healthier lives.

What is diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes:

Type One – The body produces no insulin. This type often affects children and young adults.

Type Two – This condition occurs when the body produces insulin but doesn’t use it correctly. It is more likely to affect older adults and is the most common type of diabetes.

Insulin is critical to delivering glucose to the cells of the body, which they need in order to produce the energy required to function properly. If left untreated, or not treated properly, diabetes can lead to serious health problems like strokes, kidney disease, heart disease, blindness, circulation problems that can lead to amputation, and nerve damage.

Risk factors that can lead to diabetes

Although this very dangerous disease has no cure, fortunately we can do a lot to prevent and even control it.

The first step is awareness of different factors that can put you at risk of the disease. These include:

• A family history of diabetes.
• Being overweight, as fatty tissue is more insulin-resistant.
• The less active you are, the higher your risks of diabetes. Being active helps control weight and helps your cells stay insulin-sensitive.
• People from African-American, Hispanic, Asian-America and Native American backgrounds are genetically at higher risk.
• A diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in women.
• High blood pressure; over 140/90 mm Hg.
• High levels of triglycerides and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in blood tests.

How to manage diabetes

• Tracking your glucose levels. Your doctor can give advice on in-home monitoring.
• Increasing physical activity. Your doctor or recommended wellness practitioner can suggest activities that you can manage and enjoy, no matter your age or fitness.
• Having a healthy meal plan. This may include foods low in sugar and fat to assist with weight loss, as well as healthy food options that keep weight off and promote stable blood glucose levels.
• Sticking to a physician-recommended medication plan.

Residential living for seniors at our assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality assisted living services in a comfortable, well-supported and beautiful environment. As part of United Methodist Communities, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, respite care and memory care and support services. We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/ to contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/diabetes-seniors-signs-look-care-advice/

Reducing Fall Risk Among Older Adults Living at Home

Falls are the number one risk for seniors and account for the clear majority of injuries, broken bones, and hospital stays they experience. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for Americans over age 65, which makes fall prevention essential.

Home Health Aides Advise You to Be Aware of What Causes Falls

Older adults are vulnerable to falls for many reasons and knowing what may contribute to a fall can help prevent it. Some of the most common reasons include poor vision, dizziness, poor balance, chronic health conditions, and even the home itself.

Steps Every Senior Caregiver Should Take to Help Prevent Falls: 

Step one. Talk to your loved one’s doctor. Seniors often take a variety of medications as well as self-medicating with over-the-counter drugs. Ask the doctor to fully evaluate your loved one’s medications, as well as how they are taking them in order to eliminate any conflicts that may lead to dizziness, sleepiness, low blood pressure or anything else that could cause a fall. This is also a good time to get a record of previous falls, near-falls and fall-related injuries to see if there is a specific issue or an increase in frequency.

Step two. Start an age and health-appropriate exercise routine. Balance, reflexes and strength diminish as we age, but that doesn’t mean anyone should sit in a chair all day. Using targeted exercise regimes on a regular basis, seniors can build up core muscles and strength that is critical to preventing falls and injuries. Be sure to use a physical therapist or trainer who is experienced with older adults and understands your loved one’s health.

Step three. Evaluate your loved one’s environment. Poor lighting, clutter, rugs that shift, slippery tiles, steps, and bathrooms without grab rails significantly contribute to falls. Hallways and rooms should be clear and easy to navigate; install grab bars in the bathroom, and remove rugs. Make sure lighting is bright and easy to access in every room — especially between the bathroom and bedroom. Simple battery-operated press lights work well!

Step four. Your loved one’s wardrobe may pose hazards. Shoes should fit well and have good grip; trousers and skirts shouldn’t be too long. Substitute a sturdy pair of slippers for wearing socks around the home.

Assistance for Seniors and Their Loved Ones Through In-Home Care for the Elderly 

United Methodist Communities strives to offer the very best quality senior independent home care options in New Jersey through HomeWorks. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides them, their families and caregivers personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence. In addition to daily homecare, we also offer pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support in the home.

For more information on our senior home care services or to find a qualified home health aide in New Jersey, please contact us today and visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/reducing-fall-risk-among-older-adults-living-home/

Signs That Your Parent Is Ready for Assisted Living

For many people, the realization that their parent needs assisted living services comes as a shock — a sudden event making the transition a hurried and traumatic process that can be emotionally challenging for you and your loved one. However, by keeping an eye out for these signs, you can make this process a much smoother and more positive life event, and get your loved one the help they need to enjoy their later years.

Assisted living will benefit your parent if: 

• They’ve had any recent accidents — or ‘almost’ accidents. Falls, health scares, car accidents and other events can leave your parent feeling shaken or unsure of themselves — and unfortunately, they occur more and more often as we age, often with worse consequences. Homes can become hazardous and driving can become dangerous. An assisted living community can help greatly reduce these risks.
• They’re struggling to recover from an injury or illness. Aging impacts our ability to bounce back from a hospital stay or health issue, and may further impact our loved one’s independence. Assisted living communities have the therapists and help on hand at all times to ensure optimal recovery support, and take the everyday load off at the same time.
• They’re neglecting activities of daily living (ADLs). Getting dressed, doing the grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning are just some of the activities needed to maintain independence. If you’re noticing these slipping in your loved one’s life, they may be struggling to keep up on their own.
• They are losing weight. Significant weight loss can be the result of anything from a health condition like cancer or depression, or the result of simply not being able to keep up with ADLs.
• They’re not engaging in social activities. An active social life brings a lot of happiness and purpose into life, and letting it fall away can signal that your parent needs help. They may be feeling depressed because their friends may have moved away, or they may be feeling isolated from their community.
• They are alone often. As we age, we become frailer, more isolated, and more vulnerable to health conditions and depression. Regular check-ins from friends, family and neighbors are essential to ensure a healthy level of companionship, and to detect a sudden health issue or fall, as well as to make sure they are really coping with daily life.

Assisted living in Gloucester County is a helping hand for parents and families 

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality assisted living services in a comfortable, well-supported and beautiful environment. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, respite care and memory care and support services. We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/ and contact us today for a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/signs-parent-ready-assisted-living/

WSI Engages with United Methodist Communities at “The Shores” For Brand & SEO Development

In its continuing mission to bring the “Abundant Life” to New Jersey’s senior citizens, United Methodist Communities at The Shores in Ocean City New Jersey, has partnered with WSI to deliver website management, Search Engine Marketing, and content development services. The goal is to enhance brand recognition for The Shores in southern NJ and drive awareness of UMC’s unique offering in the Assisted Living Community marketplace around the state.
(https://theshores.umcommunities.org)

WSI had developed the rebranded website and consulted on the design and development of the ongoing online marketing program, which is focused on SEO and statewide brand recognition.  New marketing initiatives include both paid search and organic search optimization, custom content creation, and ongoing paid advertising initiatives for the Community.

Marketing United Methodist Communities At The Shores

As long-standing experts in the digital marketing associated with assisted living and senior care services across the country, WSI has helped dozens of local assisted living facilities and nursing homes find new clients in their local area’s. Key to the rise in occupancy attributed to WSI efforts, is both the increase in visibility and the compelling content produced by WSI that understands the unique selling proposition of the brand. Crafting this messaging and bringing out the best UMC has to offer has been instrumental to creating a sales funnel through their digital properties that exceeded all previous attempts at digital marketing.

To market Assisted Living at The Shores, all unique services and aspects of the facility must be analyzed and presented. This coupled with a deep understanding of the types of clients that use or influence the use of assisted living, and their buying journey, allows us to craft content and programs that keep the brand in the right places, in the right way, at the right time.

WSI markets independently all of the senior care services available at the shores including Alzheimer’s and memory care, hospice care, respite care, rehabilitation and nursing home services in New Jersey.

The WSI Assisted Living Marketing Model

WSI Brand development services for this client includes advanced SEO services as part of its “Semantic Mapping” approach to on-page SEO.  With this approach a comprehensive study of local product demand is conducted and mapped into a strategic architecture for the company website and all company web properties.  Quality Blog, graphic and video content is created and syndicated on external web properties including Tumblr, WordPress and BlogSpot in addition to dozens of other social media and content hubs.

WSI’s Elite Regional Branding program is comprehensive.  By carefully customizing this content strategy through on-page and off-page activities, WSI has achieved amazing results through a highly conservative approach that has proved resistant to changes in Google’s search algorithm’s and even improved client visibility as less reputable SEO approaches cause competitors to disappear from Search Engine Visibility.

For further details on WSI’s capabilities and strategies around the marketing of assisted living communities, or more generally around SEO, SEM, Paid Search, and content programs, please contact us for a free analysis and consultation.

Original content posted on https://www.winm-nj.com/blog/the-shores-assisted-living-nj/

A Guide to Breast Health and Wellness as We Age

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so our CCRC Sussex County, NJ team decided it’s the ideal time to talk about senior breast health!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the result of abnormal, malignant cell growth in breast tissue, and is the second most common cancer affecting women after melanoma. The American Cancer Society estimated that over 231,000 women in the USA alone would be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2015, with 40,290 of those cases proving to be fatal.

The risk of breast cancer in seniors – What you need to know

Several risk factors make it more likely for someone to contract breast cancer, and many of these are especially relevant to seniors. These factors include:

• Aging
• Menopause occurring after the age of 50
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives
• Post-menopausal weight gain
• No pregnancy/Pregnancy after age 30
• Genetic history of breast cancer

Other risk factors to be aware of include adolescent weight gain, radiation exposure to the chest region as a child, start of menarche before age 12, and increased breast tissue density.

Senior health and wellness tips to reduce the risks of breast cancer

As with most cancers, early detection is key to treating and surviving breast cancer, so the best tip we can give you is to keep up with regular screening with your physician. The U.S. Preventative Services recommends that women aged 50 to 74 attend biennial mammography screenings (one every second year) as these can detect the cancer before symptoms start to show.

Clinical breast exams are also recommended at least every three years, and you can perform a self-exam on your own, carefully feeling the breast for any lumps. If any are found, it’s best to see a doctor for a more thorough checkup as soon as possible.

If you are especially high-risk for breast cancer, speak to your physician about a more detailed detection process, as they may recommend more frequent mammograms or MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging).

Other tips for helping to reduce risk factors include:

• Limit alcohol to recommended intake.
• Stop smoking.
• Lose any excess weight.
• Commit to a healthy diet and exercise plan as recommended by your physician.

Comfortable living for independent seniors at our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey

Bristol Glen, an independent senior living community based in Sussex County, provides comfortable living arrangements and services that free up seniors’ time to enjoy life.

Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living facilities in Sussex County, NJ, and our amenities and services, please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/guide-breast-health-wellness-age/]

How to Help Elderly Loved Ones Get Ready for Winter

New Jersey winters can be harsh, and even more so for the elderly in our communities. Here are some quick tips from our home health aide services specialists to ensure your loved one will be warm and safe even in the coldest months.

Here’s what home help services for the elderly recommend: 

• Schedule heating system service from a qualified local contractor in advance of your anticipated need. They will start to get busy from October onwards, so the sooner you call them, the better.
• Make sure that the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. There should be one per room, especially where there is a gas appliance or heater.
• Place a container with a mixture of salt and sand by exterior doors, so that it can be sprinkled onto icy steps and paving, if needed.
• Fit a grab rail or some kind of hand support by outdoor stairs and paving to help prevent falls.
• Stock up on cold and flu medications and take your loved one to their doctor for their annual flu vaccine.
• Keep a record of prescription medications and collect them early if bad weather is about to set in.
• Place flashlights with full batteries in a handy place in each room in case of power outages. It’s also a good idea to invest in an external battery charger for a cell phone or tablet.
• Stock the freezer with nutritious, ready-made meals so that your loved one can stay home easily in the event of a storm or bad weather.
• Make a plan with a local service provider, friend or family member to clear driveways, sidewalks and paths so they are free of snow.

• If your loved one is still driving, pack an emergency kit for the car in case of a breakdown. Include food, water, a flashlight with spare batteries, first aid kit, warm jacket or blanket, and insist that they drive with a charged cell phone at all times. It’s important to minimize time on the road during winter because of the additional hazards, so it’s best to arrange transport and take on shopping and chores whenever possible.

Home help services for the elderly in NJ, whatever the season! 

At United Methodist Communities, we strive to offer the very best home health aide services in New Jersey through our HomeWorks program. This program is about assisting the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and providing them, their families and caregivers with personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence.

For more information on our in-home healthcare agency or our residential in home respite care in NJ, please contact us today and visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org.

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/help-elderly-loved-ones-get-ready-winter/

How to Prepare to Care for Aging Parents

As we get older, so many of us make the transition from being cared for by our parents to becoming the caregivers. As our parents age, we take on more and more responsibility for their medical care and general wellbeing. If you’re reaching that point now, here are some tips from our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ, on how to get ready for this new life stage:

• Communicate early on. Talking about elder care doesn’t need to be a serious and lengthy conversation from the start, and you don’t need to take on everything yourself. Instead, chat with parents early on about what they envision for themselves and what you can do to help them achieve their plan. This gives you an idea of what they expect without placing all the pressure on your shoulders in an instant.
• Gather information. When care decisions aren’t urgent, it’s the perfect time to make sure that all the necessary information you’d need to make care decisions is organized and at hand. This means gathering insurance and finance information, making copies of parents’ insurance policies, benefits, Medicare coverage, and retirement accounts, as well as contact information for their doctors.
• Legal preparation. It’s important for your parents to have legal documentation in place to determine their care and wishes, and that you are aware of what these documents contain. Some important documents include an up-to-date Last Will and Testament, Living Wills (these determine end-of-life and healthcare wishes), and durable power of attorney documents that determine medical and financial decisions in the event of incapacity.
• Financial planning. Elder care costs can be significant, so it’s important to know where your parents stand financially and what you can do to help minimize the impact of these costs. This includes developing a financial plan to pay for healthcare, housing or caregiving, as well as Medicare planning.
• Research your options. Thinking about caring for your elderly parents can be overwhelming — after all, most people have little personal experience in this area. Research is key in not only understanding the costs and planning involved in caregiving, but also in understanding and discovering the care options available.

Affordable independent style living for seniors at our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ

Collingswood is part of the United Methodist Communities’ network of high-quality, non-profit assisted living communities specializing in independent style living for seniors. With an experienced care and assistance team, scalable services customized to each resident’s needs, and a lively social calendar, we focus on providing essential resources that promote independence and quality of life.

To find out more about United Methodist Communities or our assisted living services, please visit our website and contact us at https://collingswood.umcommunities.org to book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/prepare-care-aging-parents/

Signs Your Loved One With Alzheimer’s Is Ready for Hospice Care

For family and caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, facing the last stages of this disease is an incredible challenge — not just emotionally, but physically and mentally. This is a time in which making care decisions becomes more and more difficult. During these final life stages, hospice services can provide the care and support you and your loved one need. If you’re considering hospice care, be aware of signs that your loved one is ready for professional end-of-life care.

An Alzheimer’s patient is ready for hospice when:

• A doctor has diagnosed a life expectancy of 6 months or less. This criterion is universal for all hospice patients, regardless of their health conditions, as this care is designed to manage pain and focus on comfort in the last stages of life — not provide treatment for a disease.
• They become totally dependent. In the final stages of Alzheimer’s, patients become totally dependent on caregivers for assistance in daily life and activities. This includes physical dependency, as many people are unable to walk, sit or attend to their personal hygiene.
• Weight loss increases. Late-stage Alzheimer’s patients struggle to take in enough food and liquid, have difficulty manipulating utensils, and even difficulty chewing and swallowing, which leads to weight loss.
• They are unable to communicate effectively. The loss of intelligent speech, inability to express themselves, and inability to respond to others indicate the disease is reaching its final phase.
• They are more vulnerable to other diseases and infections. Dealing with other health conditions along with Alzheimer’s can be exceptionally challenging, as many patients suffer from pneumonia and other infections.

Hospice in South Jersey is about spending quality time with your loved one

Alzheimer’s is a challenge for patients and their loved ones, and even more so for family caregivers. Hospice is not just about providing comfort and care for our residents, it’s about taking the weight off family caregivers and loved ones so they can make the most of this final time together in a supportive environment.

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in Cape May County called Bridges. In this program, we focus on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for patients and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support.

To find out more about our hospice neighborhood in the Jersey Shore area, please visit our website and contact us today at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/ to arrange your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/signs-loved-one-alzheimers-ready-hospice-care/

What is Senior Isolation and How We Can Help?

“Senior isolation” is a blanket term meaning feelings of loneliness, depression and isolation commonly found among the elderly. While these issues may seem less concerning than illness, the truth is that they lead to serious health and quality of life problems. Here are some insights from our in-home respite care team:

Senior Isolation is On the Rise 

Although the USA has a growing elderly population, that doesn’t mean seniors are feeling less isolated — in fact, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 28% of seniors lived alone at the time of the study. This lack of in-home support from a spouse or loved one is further exacerbated by demographics: fewer adults have children, so there are less people available to assist with companionship and care.

Risks to Health and Lifespan 

The sad reality is that loneliness, even perceived loneliness, damages our health and wellbeing. It’s associated with a higher risk of mortality in people over age 52, and increases the risks of poor physical and mental health. Social isolation can affect cognitive abilities, too, leading to poor cognitive performance, increased cognitive decline and higher risk of dementia.

Long-term illnesses strongly associated with social isolation include arthritis, chronic lung disease, high blood pressure, depression, and mobility problems. Many seniors who experience social isolation often recover from illness and surgery much slower and don’t regain the same strength and mobility as those with healthy social connections.

Therefore, these seniors often require more intensive care and may require it at an earlier stage in their lifetimes, too.

How Can We Help Fight Social Isolation? 

There are many ways that we can all help keep seniors more socially connected and cared for. Here are some effective strategies for helping family members, loved ones and the elderly in your community:

• Living situation. If your loved one lives far away or by themselves, they are at risk of senior isolation. Moving into a vibrant assisted living community, a home closer to friends and family (or a senior-friendly town), or investing in senior independent home care can help ensure their access to companionship and social connections.
• Pets. Beside wonderful sources of companionship, pets give your loved one a sense of purpose and plenty of love. Your local animal shelter may be able to provide an equally-lonely and gentle cat or dog; some assisted living facilities even allow animals.
• Transport. If your loved one can no longer drive, then lack of transport may be holding them back from an otherwise active life. Look in your local directory for transport services for the elderly, volunteer your own time, or speak to home healthcare professionals about providing a transport service for your loved one.

Companionship, Medical Care and More from NJ In-Home Respite Care Specialists 

United Methodist Communities strives to offer the very best quality senior independent home care options, from assisted living to in-home care through HomeWorks. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and provides them, their families and caregivers personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence. In addition to medical and daily home care, we also offer pastoral care for spiritual and emotional support in the home.

For more information on our senior home care services and in-home respite care, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/home-respite-care-services-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/senior-isolation-can-help/

Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Gives Seniors Their Lives Back

Physical therapy is one of the most beneficial options for seniors who have been ill, had a hospital stay or surgery. Rather than recuperating in bed with a good book or your favorite show, medical professionals recommend that you get up and get moving — under the supervision of our assisted living team in Gloucester County, NJ.

What’s the benefit of physical therapy? 


Physical therapy is designed to help:

• Restore and improve functionality;
• Restore and improve balance;
• Restore and improve strength;
• Reduce pain (for example, for arthritis patients);
• Speed up the healing process; and
• Increase mobility.

Why is it important for seniors? 

Everyone should undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy after a physical setback or surgery. But, it’s even more important for seniors. As we age, our bodies find it more and more of a challenge to bounce back after an illness or injury. It can be a challenge to achieve the same levels of physical wellness, even years after. Unfortunately, this can lead to risks of further complications down the line, including:

• Increased fragility;
• Infections;
• Balance issues; and
• Increased fall risks that can result in serious injury.

Physical therapy is incredibly important to give your body the support and assistance it needs to ensure that you can get back that level of confidence and independence you need to live a quality life.

What happens in physical therapy?

Everyone’s physical therapy plan is unique and tailored to what their body needs and can manage, so that it brings the greatest benefit without causing injury. Therefore, it is very important to follow your medical professional’s advice and visit recommended therapists who understand how to work with seniors.

You will work one-on-one with your therapist to ensure that you are doing exercises correctly. They will likely recommend some exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. Getting the best results from physical therapy means committing to following any regime properly — the success stories speak for themselves!

Professional, Compassionate Assisted Living and Respite Care in Gloucester County, NJ 

Pitman, an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offers high-quality assisted living services in a well-supported, comfortable and beautiful environment. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer:

• Rehabilitation;
• Access to therapists;
• Hospice care;
• Respite care; and
• Memory care and support services.

We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please visit our website at https://pitman.umcommunities.org/. Contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/rehabilitation-physical-therapy-gives-seniors-lives-back/ 

Seniors and Technology – Staying in Touch and Avoiding Scams

Technology is an increasingly significant part of our lives. Not just for the Millennials — seniors are increasingly adopting technology too. In fact, around 4 in 10 seniors own and use smartphones, one-third use tablets, and 67% regularly go online. Here are great uses for technology, as well as tips on how to stay safe online, from our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sussex County, NJ.

Benefits of technology for seniors 

Why are more seniors adopting cutting-edge technologies? Well, there are plenty of benefits. Here’s what the experts say:

• Staying social. Staying in touch with family and friends is easier than ever before, thanks to text messaging systems, video chat programs, email, and social media. It’s also faster than ever before, with many options to connect you face-to-face instantaneously like Skype and Facetime, no matter how far apart you are geographically. This is a great way to check in with friends, see how the grand-kids are doing and much more, all with the click of a button.
• And a healthier social life has a significant impact on physical health, too, keeping seniors active and engaged. In fact, according to United Healthcare’s 2012 100@100 survey, it’s just as important as healthy genetics, exercise, and a nutritious diet.
• Safety. One of the biggest fears of seniors and their loved ones is safety. Thanks to technology, you can send an assistance alert simply by pressing a button on your Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices can also help families and loved ones keep track of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, who can easily become disorientated and lost.
• Medication Management and Health Tracking. As we age, we usually take more and more pills — all of which need to be taken on a specific day, at a certain time and under particular conditions. There are many apps and technologies today that can simplify this process, preventing overdoses and medication mismanagement. Similarly, apps can help seniors meet their physical fitness or nutrition targets and monitor daily health activities. They can also store health records and information on health conditions for easy access.

Staying Safe with Technology

Of course, technology has its own risks and seniors are vulnerable to scams. Simple rules to follow include:

• Only use apps that are recommended by your healthcare professional or someone you trust;
• Keep your smartphone or device secure with a password; and
• Only allow trusted individuals access to your device.

Experience the Best in CCRC And Assisted Living in Sussex County, NJ 

Bristol Glen, an independent senior living community, based in Sussex County, provides comfortable, serviced living arrangements that allow seniors to enjoy life. Founded on a philosophy of aging in place, our continuing care retirement community residents enjoy a less restrictive care model that does not require them to move from their residential apartments to access additional services as their needs change.

Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living facilities, amenities and services. Please go to our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/seniors-technology-staying-touch-avoiding-scams/

Food Matters – Maximizing Nutrition Among Seniors

Good nutrition and a healthy diet is an essential for every time of life, but is more of a challenge for seniors. As we age, our bodies can become less effective at getting nutrients from the food we eat, appetites can decrease, chewing certain foods becomes more difficult, and many older adults experience mobility issues that make shopping and food preparation more difficult. Putting the extra effort into getting the right nutrients, however, is very important, as they significantly impact health, wellness and quality of life.

Here are some strategies from our at home health care agency for helping to improve the diet and nutrition of your elderly loved one:

Five steps to take to help ensure good nutrition in your elderly loved one 

1. This important first step in the process will help you find out the quality of your loved one’s nutrition, what they are missing and where complications are occurring, so that you can develop a plan that suits their need. Ask your physician to recommend a nutritionist to assist you.
2. Know the basics. The Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s guidelines for nutrition in older adults are a good way to get to know the basics. Fruits and vegetables should be central to the diet, along with nuts, legumes and wholegrains, fish and low-fat dairy products. Sugar and refined foods should be limited.
3. Small, frequent meals. Large portions can be intimidating and result in limited nutritional intake (for example, just eating one type of food on the plate before becoming full). Encourage smaller portions more frequently from a greater variety of foods. Snacks of yogurt and fresh fruit between meals with lean protein and a few different vegetables help create a more varied diet and make eating greater quantities of food easier.
4. Healthy calories. If maintaining weight or gaining weight needs to occur, choose high-calorie healthy options like health shakes and protein-filled smoothies. These often contain plenty of vitamins and additional nutrients and are easy to eat and digest —just be sure not to choose one that is high in sugar.
5. Ask for help. For many seniors and their caregivers, mealtimes are a challenge that take up a lot of time and effort. There are many meal services, however, that specialize in nutritionally-balanced home-cooked meals for seniors who can take the strain off you and your loved one. Try a few providers in your area and look for meals that meet the guidelines of your physician and nutritionist.

Professional, affordable at home care for the elderly in NJ 

United Methodist Communities strives to offer the very best home health aide services in New Jersey through HomeWorks. This program assists the elderly in the comfort of their own homes and offers them, their families and caregivers, personalized, compassionate care that prioritizes health, happiness and independence.

For more information about our at home healthcare agency or our home help services for the elderly, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/elderly-home-health-care-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/food-matters-maximizing-nutrition-among-seniors/