How to Help Mom or Dad Transition to Memory Care

The transition to memory care can be tough for families to navigate. Strong emotions, confusion, and relationship shifts may play out when moving  a loved one into a memory care neighborhood. We can confidently say, from years of experience, that it helps not to go into this transition blindly with mom or dad. Keeping an honest dialogue and having a solid plan in place for the move will make the process easier for all involved. With that said, our Tapestries© Memory Care team in Cape May County has compiled their best advice in order to make the transition process smooth for your loved one, and you.

Have a Simple, Positive Message

Moving to a memory care neighborhood is often disorienting and confusing for your loved one, so it’s important to have a reassuring response in mind that you can repeat to them. Rather than trying to explain what’s happening in detail or everyone giving their own individual responses, have everyone involved stick to a simple response. Some examples are “You’re moving to your new home” or “You’re moving to somewhere you will be safe.” Having conflicting messages can cause distress for your senior loved one, which can be completely avoided by sticking to this method.

Pack Up Privately

It’s best to handle the packing process yourself without the involvement of mom or dad. Pack up their items while they are at an appointment, asleep, or out for the day, as this will minimize distress and anxiety. Work with their memory care advisors to get your loved one’s space as ready as possible before moving day, so that the actual move isn’t too busy and frantic.

Fill their room with their favorite flowers or potted plants, put a picture of your family on the bedside table, and make the space as welcoming and warm as possible so that it reminds them of home.

Unpack Together

We recommend packing a few boxes of essentials before moving day (especially sentimental and favorite items that will make your mom or dad feel at home), and have them ready to unpack in their new space to help them settle in faster with minimal disruption.

By asking your loved one where they want a picture hung up, or what they’d like on their bed or bedside table, you can practice good communication techniques and help your loved one gain a sense of control over their new surroundings.

Get to Know the Community

The faster your senior parent becomes familiar with the community, the easier the transition will be. However, that doesn’t mean pushing them out of their comfort zone. Instead, ask the memory care team about different activities going on in the community and find one or two options your parent would be interested in.

Pick a day to move in where everyone on-site is doing something your loved one enjoys, then go with them to participate in the activity together. This is a gentle way to introduce mom or dad to their new neighbors and Memory Care team in a low-pressure situation.

Stay Connected

Moving to a new home isn’t easy for anyone, and it’s understandably stressful for families and loved ones with dementia. While they will settle in time, you can help make this process smoother by visiting and staying in contact frequently. Also, have other family members and friends pop in for visits, call, or set up online video calls (the memory care team can help with this). 

Bring treats, spend time together exploring their new community, visit with neighbors, and listen to your loved one’s concerns. Rather than being relentlessly positive, be empathetic. Tell them you understand that this is hard and that you’re going to be there for them every step of the way. This reassurance makes a person feel heard, understood, and calm, rather than opening the door to frustration.

Try to spend some time with the memory care team too. Talking to them about your loved one will help them ease your parent’s concerns and more accurately monitor their progress. It takes a village to care for a loved one with dementia, and the Tapestries Memory Care professionals at UMC are there to create a safe and loving space for your parent.

A Welcoming Transition to Tapestries Memory Care in Cape May County

At UMC at The Shores, we offer compassionate memory care to support residents with dementia. Our caregivers’ compassion and experience, combined with dementia-friendly floor plans and advanced technology, help create safe spaces for dementia residents to experience the most abundant life possible.

For more information about UMC at The Shores, and how we can help your loved one transition to memory care in NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/how-to-help-mom-or-dad-transition-to-memory-care/

Examining Quality of Life in an Assisted Living Community

 

Assisted living communities provide around-the-clock care for older adults who have certain health or mobility needs. When your loved one needs support with independence or when they require more assistance than you are able to provide, an assisted living community may be the best choice.

If you’ve started researching assisted living, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that there are many options. How do you know which community is best for your loved one? We’ve made a list of key assisted living qualities or characteristics that indicate residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life. We hope this list will make your search a little bit easier.

Family visits and family contact are encouraged. Not everyone is lucky enough to live close to their loved ones who are in assisted living. However, if you are close, your loved one’s community should encourage family visits. They should also be able to accommodate requests like family days, whether on site or taking your loved one out for the day. Thankfully, technology enables frequent family contact for those who don’t live close by. When choosing the right assisted living community, weigh both options: ensure they are close enough to where you live and that they have the necessary technology in place so your loved one can keep in touch virtually.

Diverse social activities. One fear people have about assisted living is that they’ll be isolated and alone, cut off from any sense of community. Assisted living communities should have a diverse range of social activities for all residents, including card games, arts and crafts, different forms of exercise, music and movie-related activities, cooking classes, and more. Social activities allow residents to keep exploring their interests, while strengthening their friendships with other residents.

Opportunities for independence and autonomy where possible. Moving your loved one into assisted living does not mean they are losing their independence and autonomy. Many assisted living communities, like UMC at Pitman, are designed to enable residents to maintain their independence in a safe, comfortable setting.

Embracing technology. Assisted living communities use technology to help residents keep in contact with their families, but there are many other areas where technology enhances quality of life for everyone. Features such as medication reminders, fall or irregular movement alerts, vital sign monitoring, and general security are all made possible by using the latest technologies. Reputable assisted living communities should embrace technology and be more than willing to teach residents how to use it.

Assisted living in Pitman, NJ

Making the decision to move a loved one into assisted living isn’t an easy one. We recommend choosing a community that uses a “resident-directed” approach, like we do at UMC at Pitman. The term resident-directed means that each person in the community receives a customized level of care specific to their needs. We also acknowledge that their health and mobility needs may change during their time with us. Rather than having to move from one community to the next, resident-directed assisted living communities accommodate people as necessary over time.

If you’re looking for an assisted living community in Gloucester County, we hope the tips discussed here will help you make an informed choice for your loved one. For more information about UMC at Pitman, or if you have any questions about our assisted living care services, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/examining-quality-of-life-in-an-assisted-living-community/

7 Ways to Help Prevent Falls in Your Home

 

No one likes to take a tumble. For seniors especially, falls are much more serious. Not only can they cause physical injury and bleeding, but they can also affect mental health and confidence or even cause post-traumatic stress and anxiety. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to significantly lower the risk of falls and make your home safer for your senior loved ones.

Our team of in-home caregivers in NJ has determined the 7 best ways to help prevent seniors from falling at home. 

#1 – Check medications. This is often a fall risk that’s overlooked, but it’s an extremely important one to check. Certain medications or combinations of medications can cause dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar, all of which can increase the risk of a fall. Make a detailed list of your loved one’s medications (including over-the-counter drugs) and go over them with their doctor to make sure they’re the safest options. Also, make sure they’re being taken at the right time of day, in the right combination in order to avoid negative side effects. 

#2 – Remove area rugs where possible. Area rugs are beautiful, cozy additions to any home – but they’re also a potential fall risk. They create a change in the surface traction of the floor (for example, if you have a wool rug on a wooden floor) and can easily curl up to become a tripping hazard. If your loved one shuffles while they walk, has poor eyesight, uses a walking aid, or is unsteady on their feet, area rugs should be lifted up and packed away. 

#3 – Modify everyday activities. A few easy enhancements to the home can help keep your loved one both independent and safe from falls. Modifications like grab bars in the bathroom (for the bath, shower, and toilet), secure handrails on stairs, night lights by the stairs, and rearranging the kitchen for easy access to pantry essentials (rather than using a grab handle or step ladder), make all the difference.

#4 – Temperature precautions. Too much or too little heat affects how our bodies function and can make seniors dizzy and more likely to fall. In the summertime, make sure your loved one keeps hydrated (there should always be a full glass of water on the nightstand) and stays out of the sun between noon and 4pm when possible. You should also make sure your loved one’s air conditioning is at a cool but comfortable temperature. On the other hand, the thermostat shouldn’t be set any lower than 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher come wintertime. 

#5 – Get rid of the clutter! A home that’s difficult to move around in is a home where a fall can easily happen. With that said, there’s no time like the present to help your loved one clear-out some unnecessary clutter. Having clear, wide pathways, no items on stairs or in passageways, space between furniture, and clear floors is essential. Beware that an unfamiliar layout can be a fall hazard too, so it’s important not to change the layout of their furniture too much unless it’s really in the way. If your loved one doesn’t want to sell or donate excess items, you can turn a spare room into a storage space that can be closed off from the rest of the house. 

#6 – Time to visit the tailor. Clothing can be a tripping hazard, whether it’s pants that are too long or shoes that have worn down. We recommend that every senior has comfortable shoes that have good grip and are easy to slip onto the foot or fasten with Velcro rather than laces. Existing clothes can be taken to a tailor to be hemmed and modified (especially if your loved one has lost weight). Or better yet, you can treat your loved one to a little shopping spree for new, better-fitting clothes! 

#7 – Get extra help at home. Having in-home caregivers is perhaps the best senior fall prevention tip. Ensuring that someone responsible is with your loved one and able to assist and monitor their movements throughout the day is invaluable. That’s where United Methodist HomeWorks comes in. Our in-home care agency provides seniors with expert care and companionship in New Jersey. 

The services provided by HomeWorks caregivers are customizable and follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our clients at all times. Our experienced home health aides in NJ have a passion for working with seniors and keep up to date with the latest methods in caregiving. 

To find out more about our home-based care services or how to hire a home health aide in NJ, please visit our website. 

Originally posted: https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/7-ways-to-help-prevent-falls-in-your-home/

The Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

 

Namaste. It’s the International Day of Yoga, which means there is no better time to start this relaxing form of exercise. Especially as we age, it’s important to keep moving and incorporate regular workouts into our daily routines. Yoga is a great exercise choice for seniors because there are many physical and mental advantages. Not to mention, yoga can be modified to any fitness level quickly and easily.

With that said, our senior care team serving West Deptford has put together a list of the major benefits that yoga has on seniors.

• Helps seniors stay independent. When you lose your mobility as a senior, you lose a part of your independence. Yoga is a great way to prevent both of these things from happening! The slow, measured movements of each yoga pose can help improve balance and movement, which in turn can help prevent falls. This is especially important since falling is the leading cause of injury and loss of independence among seniors.
• Reduces arthritis pain. Engaging in yoga regularly can help ease aches and pains associated with aging, with one common example being arthritis pain. Not only can yoga help you breathe and relax through the chronic pain, it can also lubricate and relieve pressure on your joints. Regular yoga practice can significantly help reduce the pain and overall stiffness caused by arthritis.
• Supports heart health. Heart disease is an extremely common condition among older adults. Exercise, like yoga, is incredibly effective at lowering the risks for heart disease because it offers a relaxing way to let go of the tension you’re holding in your body and lowers your heart rate.
• Helps seniors sleep better. Trouble sleeping is one of the most common issues seniors experience. Older adults spend more time in the lighter stages of sleep and less time in the deeper, REM stages. Not to mention, many medications that seniors take have a negative effect on sleep. Because yoga can be so relaxing, many seniors who do yoga tend to sleep longer and more soundly.
• Reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Yoga is an ultimate mood-booster. The steady movements, relaxed breathing techniques and soothing meditation create a more positive sense of well-being that helps fight feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.

Senior Yoga Classes in Gloucester County, NJ

At United Methodist Communities at Pitman, we offer assisted living residents a variety of yoga classes for all fitness levels. Our favorites include traditional yoga and chair yoga classes that take place both indoors and outdoors, especially now that the summer weather has arrived! 

Here at Pitman, our yoga instructors understand that each resident has different fitness goals and abilities. They will gladly make modifications to yoga poses on the spot to support beginner yogis and those with physical limitations.

For more information about life at UMC at Pitman in Gloucester County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2021/06/21/the-benefits-of-yoga-for-seniors/

What is Respite? How Does it Work at Bristol Glen?

 

Are you a dedicated family caregiver who needs a break from caregiving in order to recharge, travel for work, or to take a family vacation? Or is your senior loved one interested in trying out a senior living community before committing to making the move OR before making this important commitment?

If you answered yes to either of those questions, respite care is the ideal solution for your senior loved one. Here is how respite care works at our assisted living community in Sussex County, NJ.

Why opt for respite care?

Respite care is a senior care service where a qualified and experienced caregiver takes over the care of your loved one temporarily. At Bristol Glen, this means moving into our beautiful assisted living community as a temporary resident, whether it’s for a week or a month.

 Respite is a useful support service for family caregivers, and is often used in situations where:

• Your loved one temporarily needs a higher level of skilled nursing care or assistance (bathing, medication management, or wound care) after an illness or surgery
• You are going on holiday and need a professional caregiver to take over temporarily
• You need to take a break from caregiving in order to regroup and recharge
• Because you are ill/unable to care for your loved one temporarily

It’s also a great way to explore the option of moving into assisted living permanently. As a respite care resident, your loved one gets to experience exactly what it’s like to live full-time in an assisted living community – to try out the food, see the apartments and community areas, and get to know associates and other residents.

A respite stay is commitment-free, so it eliminates a lot of the worry and concern that can come with considering a move to a senior living community. It’s one of the best ways to give seniors and their families a clear idea of what these communities are really like.

Here’s how respite care works at Bristol Glen

Located in a beautiful natural setting, Bristol Glen consistently works to create a vibrant community that is both safe and full of activity. We encourage independent and abundant senior living, with spacious apartments, communal areas, and active event calendars. Our dining room is even catered by award-winning chefs!

As a respite resident, your senior loved one will experience the community to its fullest. Whether they need skilled nursing care 24 hours a day, or they are looking for a way to meet people and have a full social life, Bristol Glen can tailor care accordingly to the respite resident.

Residents have plenty of choices in terms of what activities they prefer, how much assistance they want with daily tasks, and how they want to participate in our community. It’s all about creating the most independent lifestyle possible, with options that adhere to each personality type, medical need, and social interest.

We’re as dedicated to supporting the loved ones of our residents as we are to our residents themselves. Focusing on our goal of providing family members with excellent communication and peace of mind, we have introduced the latest technology (iPads, tablets) to each resident for easy contact with their families, no matter where they are in the world.

Want to find out more about respite care at UMC at Bristol Glen?

If you’d like to find out more about how respite care works and how it can benefit both you and your loved one, please contact United Methodist Communities today or visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/what-is-respite-how-does-it-work-at-bristol-glen/

 

Does My Senior Parent Need Long Term Care?

For many people, the realization that their senior parent needs long term care services may come as a shock. Oftentimes, coming to this realization elicits an urgency to transition mom or dad to long term care as soon as possible. Thus making this more emotionally challenging for both you and your loved one. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can make long term care a much smoother life change for your loved one. Getting mom or dad the help they need now will help them to better enjoy life later.

Without further ado, here are the signs to look out for when deciding on long term care options for your senior parent.

Long term care will benefit mom or dad if…

• They’ve had a recent accident. Falls at home and car accidents can leave your senior parent feeling shaken, injured and unsure of themselves. Homes can easily grow more hazardous as we age and become less mobile and independent. And driving is dangerous as it is, nevermind adding vision and mobility issues to the mix. With that being said, an assisted living community that offers long term care can help greatly reduce these risks and provide intensive care that is needed after an accident.
• 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 offering long term care have the therapists and medical professionals onsite to ensure optimal recovery support at all times.
• They have trouble performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Getting dressed, grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning are just some of the activities needed to maintain independence. If you notice your loved one is struggling to complete any of these daily tasks, they may need assistance. Assisted living communities have associates available around the clock to help with these activities. It’s important to note, this may not necessarily mean your loved one needs comprehensive long term care. However, if your loved one has trouble completing ADLS because of a possible injury or medical condition, long term care may be the best option in this case.
• They are losing weight. Significant or unexplained weight loss can be a result of anything, so it’s important to consult your loved one’s primary care physician before making assumptions. However, most of the time sudden and unusual weight loss in seniors is due to a serious health condition like cancer or diabetes. In long term care, there are medical professionals, dieticians, therapists and more available to treat limiting health conditions in seniors.

At UMC at Collingswood, long term care comprises the most intensive and highest level of care provided to our residents. Our experienced nurses, therapists and other medical professionals provide comprehensive care to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are available at all times in case of emergency and to closely monitor and make modifications to treatment as necessary.

Some of the more common conditions treated in long term care include post-operative wounds, stroke, injuries, diabetes, invasive infections, Parkinson’s disease, and more. Whatever medical condition your senior parent has, the long term care team in Collingswood is well equipped to treat them with the utmost attention and compassion.

To find out more about long term care in Camden County NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/does-my-senior-parent-need-long-term-care/

What’s The Difference Between a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and Assisted Living?

 

Until recently, older adults had to move from one location to the next in order to receive the care they need during specific times in their lives. Fortunately, with continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and assisted living communities becoming more common, people have more choices when considering the move to a senior community. 

Many people may not know the main differences between CCRCs and assisted living. CCRCs offer a tiered approach to the aging process, while assisted living usually falls somewhere between independent senior living and skilled nursing. Let’s review some of the key differences between the two.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

You can think of CCRCs like any senior apartment, but with the full continuum of senior care on one campus. Most older adults who move into a CCRC start out living completely independently.

CCRCs do not use a one-size-fits-all approach to anything. Every resident receives customized care for their specific circumstances. The goal of a CCRC is for residents  to move through various levels of care, all while remaining in the same community. Moving to a new environment is often very stressful, especially for older adults with health and mobility issues, so being able to stay in the same CCRC is a huge benefit that should not be overlooked.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities are also for older adults who want to continue living independently for as long as possible. These communities are typically for seniors who don’t have complex health needs. Instead, they provide round-the-clock help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and more.

Assisted living apartments are often private and comfortable, enabling the residents to feel more at home.

If someone has a change in health or mobility status while living in assisted living, they most likely will have to move into different accommodations where they can receive the care they need from licensed professionals.

Flexible senior living options in Sussex County, NJ

At Bristol Glen, our CCRC in Sussex County, we offer everything our residents need all in one beautiful, comfortable campus with independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, and rehabilitation.

If you’re researching care options for a loved one, consider the fact that their health needs and their mobility are likely to change as the years progress. Rather than uprooting them from one community to the next every few years, we recommend choosing a community like Bristol Glen where they’ll have all the care they need – and all the independence they want – in one location.

For more information about UMC at Bristol Glen, or if you have any questions about life in a CCRC, please contact our team today. Discover why so many people choose us as their trusted CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey. To learn more, visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/whats-the-difference-between-a-continuing-care-retirement-community-ccrc-and-assisted-living/

International Day of Yoga: 5 Easy Poses for Seniors

 

Namaste! Did you know that today is the International Day of Yoga? What better way to celebrate than practicing some fun yoga poses in the comfort of your own home? The following exercises, recommended by our in-home caregivers in NJ, are low-impact and easy for most independent seniors to follow. Seniors who engage in yoga on a daily basis can gain strength and flexibility while also boosting their mental health. So, let’s get out our yoga mats – here are 5 beginner yoga poses for seniors.

Safety note: seniors with mobility issues should consult a primary care doctor or professional trainer before performing any new exercise routines. 

#1 – Mountain Pose

 This pose might just look like standing, but it’s much more than that! Mountain pose focuses on good posture and alignment by engaging all the muscles in the body, especially the legs.

Steps:

• Stand tall, keeping your feet together (big toes and heels touching). Your toes should be spread to keep good balance.
• Engage the stomach muscles, pulling them in firmly.
• Engage your leg muscles, with your knees actively pulling up and your thigh muscles pulling in firmly.
• Pull your shoulder blades back and down, without letting your chest puff outwards.
• Hold the pose for 5-8 slow breaths.

#2 – Bird Dog Pose 

This is a very good, low-impact senior yoga pose for back and abdominal strength.

Steps:

• Start on all fours, with your arms straight below your shoulders and your knees below your hips, looking down at the floor without dipping or raising your neck out of alignment with your spine.
• Raise your right leg as straight as you can behind you, with your toes pointing towards the floor.
• Now raise your left arm straight ahead of you, with your palm out as if you were shaking someone’s hand.
• Hold for 5-8 slow breaths, then repeat with the left leg and right arm.

#3 – Downward Facing Dog

 This well-known yoga pose doubles as a great workout! The idea is to create a perfect 90-degree angle with your body, while keeping your hands and feet on the floor.

Steps:

• Start on your hands and knees, the same way you start bird dog pose.
• Tuck your toes under, then lift your hips backward and up, as high as you can. Glance back at your feet to make sure they are hip-width apart and parallel.
• Keep your arms straight and your palms flat and pull your shoulders flat onto your back.
• Try to place your heels down to the floor (this will get easier as you practice).
• Remember to engage your abdominal muscles and your leg muscles to keep you steady and lifted.
• Hold for 5-8 slow breaths.

#4 – Cobbler’s Pose

This pose is very similar to what young toddlers do when they’re playing with their toes, but as we get older, we lose this flexibility. This senior yoga pose helps open up the hip muscles, build strength, and even massage your feet.

Steps:

• Start in a seated position, bringing the soles of your feet together in front of you and pressing them against one another. 
• Sit up tall and keep your back as straight as possible as you move forward towards your toes. All while keeping your shoulder blades flat against your back and away from your ears.
• Reach forward with your hands and grab onto your feet. You can now massage your feet gently while in this position, or just relax and try to come forward without rounding your back.
• Hold for 5-8 slow breaths.

#5 – Savasana

This is everyone’s favorite yoga pose because it’s all about relaxation – pure and simple! It helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and muscle tension.

Steps:

• Lie on your back with your feet wider than hip-distance apart, so your feet fall out to the sides.
• Move your arms to a 45-degree angle with the palms up, so you aren’t touching any other part of your body.
• Keep your spine neutral by slightly tucking your chin towards your chest, and make sure your shoulders are flat against the mat.
• Completely relax, focusing only on your breath as it moves in and out of your body.
• Stay in savasana for 5 minutes.

We hope these poses help seniors enjoy the International Day of Yoga. More importantly, we hope they help seniors discover a new way to stay fit, independent, and healthy!

Need help performing yoga at home? Our NJ caregivers can help.

 United Methodist Communities HomeWorks is a leading in-home care agency for seniors in New Jersey. Our aides can assist with daily tasks, activities of daily living, errands, physical exercise like yoga, and light housekeeping. 

 Contact us today to find out more about how HomeWorks caregivers deliver the exceptional care and companionship that your loved one deserves. 

Originally posted: https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/international-day-of-yoga-5-easy-poses-for-seniors/

6 Summer Activities for Seniors in South Jersey

 

Summer is here and the sun is shining! With COVID-restrictions lifting and more people getting vaccinated, it’s the perfect time for seniors to step outside and enjoy some fun summer activities. If you’re not sure what activity to do first with mom and dad – don’t worry! Our assisted living team in South Jersey has put together a list of local summer activities to do with your senior loved one.

#1 – 32nd Annual Cape May Music Festival. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of summer at the 32nd Annual Cape May Music Festival! The line-up for this year’s event includes the Atlantic Brass Band, the Bay Atlantic Symphony, the New York Chamber Ensemble, and legendary jazz singer Paula Johns. This series of outdoor musical events will take place through June at the beautiful, historic Emlen Physick Estate. There are also online-only events that you can stream to your home if you want to avoid the crowds – the perfect opportunity to create your own garden concert.

#2 – The West Cape May Strawberry Festival. Nothing says summer quite like the fresh, ripe sweetness of strawberries – and the West Cape May Strawberry Festival has the very best! This free event sponsored by the West Cape May Business Association is all about honoring these delicious berries in all their forms, with plenty of food, live music, and more. Hosted at Wilbraham Park, it’s a great family event for all ages.

#3 – Greater Cape May Historical Society Antique Sale. This antique show and sale is perfect for anyone who loves history, treasure hunting, and finding special vintage pieces to showcase in their homes. It will be hosted at Wilbraham Park on June 19th, with all funds going towards the Colonial House Restoration Fund. Come along and be enchanted by the past!

#4 – The Summer Crafts and Collectables Show. Beautiful local crafts and collectibles make this one of the best markets in the county. Hosted on June 26th at the Emlen Physick Estate, the Summer Crafts and Collectables Show is a fun day out for seniors and their families. With plenty of food stalls, treats, and entertainment, it’s a great chance to enjoy the sunshine, spend time together, and see what the best crafters and vendors in the area have to offer.

#5 – 31st Annual Quilt & Fiber Arts Show. Catch the 31st Annual Quilt and Fiber Arts Show at Historic Cold Spring Village on June 26th for a day of artistry, craftsmanship, history, and of course, fun. Listen to interesting speakers, watch live demonstrations, and see incredible craftsmanship from the top quilting and fiber art vendors in the country. It’s an outing for anyone who loves arts and crafts, plus children under 3 are free.

#6 – West Cape May Farmers’ Market. Farmers’ markets are back – and this is one of the best in New Jersey! The West Cape May Farmers’ Market will run for 10 weeks starting June 29th at Backyard Park’s Municipal Complex. This market is on no matter the weather, so put on your sunscreen or grab your umbrella and come visit the vendors. From fresh farm produce to herbs, antiques, live art demonstrations, seafood, kettle corn, great coffee, and local musicians, this market has it all – and plenty of wide-open space in which to enjoy it!

At The Shores, our assisted living community in South Jersey, we take a holistic approach to caregiving that supports a full, healthy and independent life in a professional, yet fun setting.

We care deeply about each person in our care, balancing the need for strict health and safety protocols with our focus on active aging. Our core mission is to help seniors stay independent and healthy, while enjoying life with those who mean the most.

For more information on the senior care services we offer at our assisted living community in South Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today or visit our website at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Resources for activities mentioned:

https://capemaymac.org/experience/special-events/cape-may-music-festival/
https://festivalnet.com/87258/West-Cape-May-New-Jersey/Specialty-Theme-Events/West-Cape-May-Strawberry-Festival
https://www.capemay.com/calendar/events/antique-show-and-sale/
https://capemaymac.org/experience/special-events/crafts-and-collectibles/
https://www.capemay.com/calendar/events/west-cape-may-farmers-market/

Original blog posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/6-summer-activities-for-seniors-in-south-jersey/

Knowing the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care

 

Hospice and palliative care allows anyone with life-limiting illnesses to remain comfortable in familiar surroundings and fully supported by family and medical professionals. Navigating these services for your senior loved one can be overwhelming and tough to come to terms with, especially, if you are unsure of which care option best fits your loved one’s situation. 

With that said, our Bridges hospice team in Pitman, NJ has compiled the similarities and differences between palliative care and hospice to help you make the most informed and compassionate decision for your senior family member.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a set of medical services designed to improve the quality of life for residents with serious illnesses and their families. This type of comprehensive care identifies, assesses, and treats symptoms, and has the opportunity to positively influence the course of the illness at hand. Health conditions that may benefit from palliative care include cancer and kidney disease. Professional palliative care can make a big difference if it’s started immediately upon diagnosis. It can also successfully manage any harmful side effects, ensuring a better quality of life.

In palliative care, a team of nurses, therapists and other health professionals address the needs of the resident and their family – often offering emotional support, spiritual support, and bereavement counselling, if needed. The palliative care team takes the time to get to know each resident’s specific needs and concerns in order to deliver the best care possible. They communicate often with the resident, as well as their loved ones, to ensure they are taking the right course of action, every step of the way.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice is a valuable resource for people of all ages, but especially seniors and their loved ones. It provides comfort, care and support through the final stages of life. UMC’s hospice care neighborhood, Bridges, allows families to step back as caregivers and focus solely on spending quality time with their loved one. Our experienced and compassionate associates actively work to reduce hospitalizations for hospice residents, ensuring all of their needs (medical and otherwise) are met in a more comfortable, home-like setting.

The most common reason for avoiding hospice care is that it’s a very emotional and distressing time for senior loved ones and their families. It represents the final chapter of your loved one’s life, and we’d much rather focus on keeping them here. This type of care focuses on expert pain management, physical comfort, emotional and spiritual support tailored to your loved one’s needs and capabilities. Hospice may be difficult to accept, but the comprehensive and compassionate care of our hospice team will ensure your loved one is comfortable on all levels and at peace.

Hospice and palliative care in Gloucester County, NJ

UMC at Pitman provides both palliative care and hospice services through our specialty care neighborhood, Bridges. While both palliative and hospice care provide comfort, these services are very different.

In our Bridges neighborhood, palliative care can begin at diagnosis, and continue while treatment is administered to cure the disease. Hospice care, on the other hand, begins only after a medical professional determines curative treatment will bring no further improvement and the person is nearing their end of life.

If you are still unsure which type of care is best for your loved one, please give one of our senior care advisors a call today. We will take the time to discuss different options with you, and our on-site doctors can make their best recommendation for your senior loved one’s individual circumstances.

For more information on hospice and palliative care at UMC, visit our website at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2021/06/07/knowing-the-difference-between-hospice-and-palliative-care/

 

4 Ways to Celebrate Grandpa on Father’s Day

 

Father’s Day is coming up this month, which means it’s time to honor the special father figures in our lives! Grandfathers, in particular, can fill a special, irreplaceable role in the family. They can be wise, well rounded, strong, proud and very giving. And if there’s one thing that they all have in common, it’s their undeniable soft spot for their families. If you’re fortunate enough to have a grandfather in your life, it’s only natural to give them a day they won’t forget!

Here are 4 great ways to celebrate and honor Grandpa on Father’s Day from our assisted living team in Camden County, NJ.

1. Treat him to a day out. Whether he lives at home or in an assisted living community, Grandpa deserves a day out where he can do the things he loves. Visit his favorite restaurant and sit down for a nice lunch. Afterwards, you could stop by his favorite bakery or ice cream parlor for a sweet treat. If he’s a movie buff, go catch a new movie together or if he’s an avid fisherman, spend the day on the water at The Jersey Shore. Whatever you decide to do, Grandpa is sure to love a day out that’s dedicated to his favorite things.
2. Cook for him and the rest of the family if you’re feeling confident! You know what they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Really this age-old saying applies to everyone who appreciates a nice home cooked meal. Food has been and always will be a way to bond with the ones you love. With that said, take Father’s Day as an opportunity to test out your cooking skills with all the dads.
3. Help him with chores. A helping hand can go a long way, especially for Grandpa who may not move as fast as he used to. Just offering to water the garden or mow the lawn will mean a lot to him. This could also be a great opportunity to enlist the help of the younger grandkids with more energy to burn! 
4. Let him teach you something. Oftentimes the best gift is knowledge. Although Grandpa will be the one giving the knowledge, his gift will be having you and the grandkids listen, absorb and appreciate the lesson. To be clear, Grandpa doesn’t have to teach everyone algebra on Father’s Day, instead opt for an activity that everyone could enjoy together. For example, if he has a wicked ping pong serve, he can teach everyone his secret technique. This type of bonding experience is sure to create a memory that will last for years to come. Not to mention, a new Father’s Day tradition could emerge from it!

Honoring Grandpa in assisted living on Father’s Day

Our associates at UMC at Collingswood understand that mobility and health issues can prevent some of our assisted living residents from being able to leave Collingswood to celebrate Father’s Day. With that said, there’s no reason why we can’t bring the celebrations to them! Get in touch and let us know how we can best accommodate your Father’s Day plans for your senior loved one. Our assisted living community has many communal spaces, both indoors and outdoors, where families can gather and spend time with Grandpa safely.

Call us today to find out how we can help make Father’s Day truly special for Grandpa. And to find out more about our assisted living services in Camden County, please visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/4-ways-to-celebrate-grandpa-on-fathers-day/

The Types of Dementia Explained

 

If someone you loved has been diagnosed with dementia, you may be starting to think about memory care neighborhoods. Although dementia can start off slowly, it often progresses into something more serious. People with dementia struggle to live alone as their condition develops. Professional memory care neighborhoods are equipped with the necessary safety measures to keep residents secure and comfortable.

Dementia does not describe a specific disease. There are several different types of dementia, all with their own specific symptoms and challenges. So, what are the most common types of dementia and how do they present in older adults?

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is probably the first condition that comes to mind. Symptoms include both gradual and sudden memory loss, as well as difficulty completing routine tasks and following instructions. As mentioned above, it may start out seemingly harmless. However, if your loved one exhibits any of the following symptoms we recommend consulting with their doctor:

–   Uncharacteristic moodiness or changes in personality

–   Forgetting where they placed commonly used items or placing those items in strange or unfamiliar places

–   Inability to remember dates and times

–   Inability to stick to a planned routine

–   Difficulty speaking, writing, and generally expressing themselves

Vascular Dementia

This type of dementia often happens after someone has a stroke. Since strokes affect different parts of the brain, the symptoms of someone with vascular dementia will depend on which part of their brain was affected. Common symptoms include:

–   Difficulty making plans and decisions

–   Exhibiting uncharacteristically poor judgment

–   Inability to recognize people and places they know very well

–   Difficulty walking and sudden trouble with balance

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning, and independent function due to abnormal deposits that damage brain cells. Symptoms include; changes in thinking and reasoning, confusion that varies significantly from one time to another or one day to another, visual hallucinations, delusions, and trouble interpreting visual information.

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Sometimes, people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease go on to develop this type of dementia. The symptoms often include visual hallucinations, difficulty with basic movements and walking very slowly, trembling, episodes of spacing out and staring blankly ahead, and difficulty paying attention.

Huntington’s Disease

This is a genetic disease that causes parts of the brain to stop working as time progresses. Although a person may have the gene for Huntington’s Disease since birth, they typically start exhibiting symptoms between ages 30 and 50. Symptoms include problems with reasoning, poor judgment, inability to concentrate, struggling with planning and organization, and noticeable lapses in memory.

Professional memory care in Camden County 

People with dementia can greatly benefit from memory care neighborhoods that have been built with their safety, comfort, and overall well-being in mind. At Tapestries Memory Care at Collingswood, we’ve structured everything around the latest dementia research to ensure our residents have the best possible quality of life. 

While we understand the desire to keep your loved one with dementia close, it’s not always possible given our busy lives. At UMC at Collingswood, your loved one will be safe, secure, comfortable, and happy all while having direct and around-the-clock access to any medical care they may require. 

For more information about Tapestries Memory Care at UMC, please contact our team today. Discover why so many families in Camden County choose our compassionate memory care neighborhood for their loved ones. To learn more, visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/the-types-of-dementia-explained/