Understanding the difference between assisted living and home care for seniors

If you’re trying to decide on the best approach to care for your senior loved one, you may be wondering what the differences are between assisted living and home care. The good news is, when it comes to care for older adults, families now have many flexible options to suit their specific circumstances. Perhaps you want your loved one to remain at home for as long as possible, or maybe they’re interested in joining a local senior living community. 

In this article, we’ll discuss home care and assisted living to make an informed choice for you and your family. If you’d like more information about both options, please contact our senior care team at UMC today. 

What is home care?

Home care is a general term that covers a diverse range of care services from home health aides, nurses, and doctors. The type of home care your loved one needs will be determined by their specific circumstances. Some of the most common types of home care include:

• Personal care and companionship. Many seniors who live alone are mentally and physically sound, but still require assistance with things like personal grooming, cooking, cleaning, laundry, medication management, reminders for appointments, and other tasks around the house. Home caregivers also alleviate loneliness by spending time with seniors and participating in their hobbies and interests. 

• Private nursing care. Adults who have chronic illnesses, injuries, or mobility issues often require private nursing. This is long-term in-home care that includes monitoring vital signs, catheter care, ventilator care, feeding tube care, and care for diseases, injuries, or conditions. 

• Home health care. This short-term care is overseen by a physician and designed to help someone recover from a hospital stay, an illness, or an injury. When someone is recovering from an operation or an illness, they may require physical therapy, speech language therapy, occupational therapy, and other related services. 

What is assisted living?

Assisted living is a community-style living for older adults who no longer live at home. Senior living communities are often designed like regular apartment complexes, and residents have varying degrees of mobility and medical needs. Assisted living communities give families peace of mind because of around-the-clock on-site medical care, quick access to pain management specialists and other therapies, and other security measures to ensure their loved one’s safety. 

Senior communities are full of vibrant, energetic residents who are free to pursue new hobbies and interests, spend quality time with friends, and enjoy visits from their family.

Evaluating Home Care Agencies and Assisted Living Communities

Choosing the best home care agency or assisted living community for your loved one is an important choice. First, we recommend involving your senior family member in the decision. They may express reluctance in the beginning, but be patient and persistent in reminding them that you care about improving their quality of life and ensuring their comfort. 

Do your research online and read client reviews. You may also ask the home care agency or the assisted living community for testimonials and check with friends who have gone through similar situations with their loved ones. 

Your local assisted living communities should offer tours, so you can have a look around and get a real idea of what it would be like for your loved one to live there. Take them along so they can ask questions and experience it first hand. Chances are it’ll be much better than they expect! 

If you’d like more information about home care or assisted living, please call United Methodist Communities today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-assisted-living-and-home-care-for-seniors/

Caring for a Senior Recovering from a Stroke

When caring for a loved one who has survived a stroke, you may have a lot of questions about their condition, how to support them during their recovery journey, and what their needs will be moving ahead. You may also worry about how you will manage in your new role. If you’re looking for advice and support during this time, especially if this is your first time caring for someone who’s suffered from a stroke, here are some valuable insights from our home health aide services team in New Jersey.

Stroke recovery

A stroke can be a big shock to you and your loved one. While it’s important to focus on recovery and understanding what level of recovery is possible, it’s also important to act fast to prevent future strokes. Additional strokes are 40% more common after the initial stroke, and much of what you can do to help your loved one recover will also help reduce this risk.

Step 1 – Work with the doctor

Sit down with your loved one’s doctor and discuss what happened during the stroke event, and what they can recommend to improve recovery and prevent future strokes. They are also a helpful resource in building a timeline for recovery, although you must remember that this will be very general and non-specific.

Step 2 – Start rehabilitation early

Rehabilitation should start as early as possible, using specialized therapists to address the effects of the stroke. After a stroke, the brain is in a high state of cortical plasticity. The term sounds complicated, but it means that the brain is in a survival mode and trying to rewire itself as quickly as possible. Rehabilitation – whether it’s speech, occupational, or physical therapy –  can help strengthen these new connections where possible to help get the most improvement before the brain becomes more like its old, hardwired self. It’s also important to encourage them to do as much as possible by themselves (with you nearby) to reinforce these connections.

Step 3 – Become a translator

Aphasia, or difficulty speaking and understanding, is common in stroke patients. While it does tend to generally get better with time, be ready to act as a translator for your loved one for a few months at the least. Not being able to communicate or be understood can be very frustrating, so be ready with some easy and simplified methods that they can use. Use simple phrases, photographs on your smartphone, or symbols you draw on paper. Be ready to repeat yourself slowly, clearly, and often, and try not to get upset or frustrated. Try a few different methods to see what works best for your loved one, then adopt that method wherever you can to help strengthen communication.

Step 4 – Care for emotional as well as physical health

While a lot of stroke recovery revolves around physical rehabilitation and support, it’s important not to forget that having a stroke is a frightening and destabilizing experience. By caring for their psychological health by watching for signs of depression, anxiety, and stress, and working with a mental health professional, you can help boost physical health, confidence, and recovery. We also recommend that your loved one gets plenty of rest, that you create a daily routine that’s reliable and easy to stick to, and that you try meditation and relaxation techniques as part of your caregiving routine to help ease any form of PTSD or fears from the event.

Step 5 – Look after yourself

A stroke can be just as traumatic to you as it is to your loved one, and the increased care and uncertainty that comes with it can be very challenging to handle. As a caregiver, it’s important that you take as much care of yourself as you do for your parent. Remind yourself to get help from reliable sources and share the work, take time off for self-care, and give yourself the support you need to manage the additional stress and impact. Try to join a local support group, call on family and friends for assistance, and not be hard on yourself if things get tough. It can also help to have a professional senior caregiver on your team who understands stroke recovery and has the qualifications, time, and training to supply additional care.

Stroke recovery for seniors at home in NJ

United Methodist Communities HomeWorks is a provider of specialized in-home care for seniors in NJ. We offer trained and licensed home health aides who can work by the hour or by the day as needed to make sure your loved one has all the support needed during their stroke recovery. To find out more about stroke recovery for seniors or how our home health aide program works, contact us today or visit our website at:

https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/stroke-recovery-at-home/

How to Make Friends in Assisted Living

Socialization and maintaining friendships positively impact seniors in so many ways. Staying connected to others around you improves your state of mental health by boosting self-esteem and decreasing feelings of isolation and depression. Being social also improves your physical health. More social people are reported to have fewer colds, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system. Keeping that in mind, we know that making friends as a senior moving into a new place can be intimidating. If you or a loved one has just moved into an assisted living community and are not sure where to start, check out our tips on making new friends, from our assisted living team in Cape May County. 

#1 – Get involved

Like a swimming pool, it’s best to take a deep breath and dive right into community life. If you’re unsure of how to get involved or what your options are, start by looking at the social calendar. This will have details about events going on, clubs you can join, and outings that are planned over the next few months. While it’s a great idea to start with activities you enjoy, remember that moving to an assisted living community creates the perfect opportunity to try something a little different, so don’t be afraid to think outside your comfort zone and look at a new skill or develop a new interest.

#2 – Bring along a friend or loved one

Feeling nervous about all the new faces? Bring someone familiar along with you! Most communities love to have friends and family participate, and you can talk to the associates on-site about having a loved one come along for a social event or a meal. This will help you gain confidence and not feel intimidated, as well as give you someone to talk to. It’s a good idea to choose a loved one or friend that’s quite social and extroverted too, as they can help you break the ice more easily, start conversations, and introduce you to other residents.

#3 – Socialize at meals

Even if your apartment has its own kitchen, try to eat in the communal dining room as often as you can. Not only is this convenient when it comes to mealtimes, but it will also help you meet new people. Meals are a great time for bonding and sharing, creating an easy and relaxed source of conversation, whether it’s about your favorite foods or family recipes, or memories you’ve shared over meals with loved ones. Welcome other residents to your table, sit with someone who is eating alone, or even share a wave and a smile when you walk in, and you’ll start learning names and faces in no time at all. 

#4 – Take it easy on yourself

Making friends isn’t always easy or quick, so be patient with yourself and others, and take it slow. Start with small, simple steps each day – lunch in the dining room, joining a session for the book club, or even just asking your neighbor over for coffee. Don’t be afraid to ask the caregivers for a little help or have a friend come help you break the ice, and before you know it, you’ll be fitting right in!

At The Shores, we know that a healthy and happy community is the best recipe for your golden years. With a lively social calendar, a wide range of clubs, and outings scheduled each month, we love bringing people together and seeing our residents thrive. To find out more about making friends in assisted living or assisted living in South Jersey, contact us today or visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/how-to-make-friends-in-assisted-living/

5 Ways for Seniors to Get a Better Night’s Sleep

We all have a routine or ritual we follow before going to bed every night. Some of us wash our faces, brush our teeth, and go straight to bed. Others need more stimulation like light reading, meditation, or settling into a comfortable TV show before drifting off to dreamland. Whatever your routine is, we hope you have found something that works for you as getting a good night’s sleep has many health benefits – especially for older adults. If your bedtime routine could use a little work, our assisted living associates in Pitman, NJ have put together 5 strategies for seniors to get a better night’s sleep.

1. Make your bedroom a prime sleeping environment. Your bedroom should be quiet, dark, cool, and comfortable. Some tips to make this possible include using earplugs, a sleep mask, and extra blankets, while turning down the thermostat to a cooler temperature. It’s also important to designate your bedroom for sleep only. By not watching Netflix or using an Ereader in bed, your brain will start to associate the bedroom with just sleeping.
2. Perfect your sleeping schedule. Settle into bed at a reasonable hour. On top of this, try to stick to the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, even on the weekends. We all have a tendency to stay up later on weekends, which can derail any prior progress you made to consistently upgrade your sleep.
3. Block out electronic and noise distractions. We often become more sensitive to noise, light, and heat as we age. It’s important to eliminate those sensitivities from impeding our beauty sleep by making modifications such as removing nightlights, space heaters, and noisy or bright clocks from view.
4. Find your new, soothing bedtime ritual. Instead of getting hooked on a TV show that might keep you up and reeling at night, look into an activity that promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation. Some examples are taking a warm bubble bath, listening to calming music, or performing meditative yoga before winding down for bed.
5. Don’t resort to sleeping medications or aids. Did you know that many sleep aids are not meant for long-term, permanent use due to their side effects? Sleeping medications also only provide temporary relief as they do not directly address and remediate the root cause of insomnia in older adults. Common root causes of insomnia include poor sleep environment, lack of exercise, stress, menopause, and painful medical conditions. Once you are able to figure out the root cause of your sleep issues, you can then take the proper next steps towards improving your sleep habits.

Prioritizing healthy sleeping habits at Pitman

At United Methodist Communities at Pitman, our residents sleep easier knowing our associates are on-site 24 hours a day, every day to assist in every way. UMC at Pitman can also help residents improve their sleeping schedules by helping them address any emotional issues and daily stresses that may be the root causes of insomnia. By identifying these issues, our associates can then help work towards improving residents’ sleep environments and promoting healthier daytime habits. 

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

Original content posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2021/10/19/5-ways-for-seniors-to-get-a-better-nights-sleep/

What to Do When a Loved One with Dementia Wanders Off

Wandering off is arguably one of the biggest risk factors and fears when it comes to caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If your loved one with dementia has wandered off, you need to act immediately. Should your loved one ever go missing, here are some immediate steps to take from our Tapestries Memory Care team in South Jersey.

1. Search the surrounding area. Those who wander are usually found within a half-mile from where they were seen last. Check inconspicuous and familiar places in and near the home like hall closets, the basement, or the garden. If possible, send other family members into the neighborhood to look for your loved one. Enlisting the help of others will help you cover more ground at a quicker pace.
2. Call the police. If you cannot find mom or dad within 15-20 minutes, call 911 and file a missing person’s report. It’s important to mention that your loved one is an older adult who has Alzheimer’s disease and memory issues. Police will wait to begin their search for your loved one until 24 hours have passed unless they are made aware of these details regarding their memory impairments. You should also give police identifying characteristics to look out for like their bright red shirt or large sun hat.
3. Lean on family and friends for support. After your senior parent goes missing, it’s normal to feel distressed, sadness, shock, and guilt, which can cause you to make irrational decisions. With that in mind, contact your closest family and friends to help support you during this time, while following the instructions of the police and other search teams.
4. Stay put. Have family, friends, and others continue searching while you stay put in one place. Even though your gut instinct will be to get involved with the search, sometimes it’s better to remain at the scene in case your loved one returns on their own. It’s also important to keep your phone lines open so that you can be easily reached by everyone else who is out looking for mom or dad.
5. Call dementia hotlines. Consider calling in broader resources to help. You can call local Alzheimer’s hotlines in your area or reach out to national ones like the National Silver Alert Program or Safe Return.

Dementia wandering prevention for seniors in Camden County

One of the best ways your loved one can remain safe and avoid wandering away from home is by moving to a secure, professional memory care setting in a senior community. At Collingswood, our Tapestries® memory care neighborhood has a welcoming, dementia-safe apartments where seniors are safe to enjoy their hobbies and have meaningful experiences every day. Our security personnel, as well as Life Enrichment Team Specialists, are on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure your loved one is well taken care of at all times.

If your loved one is showing early signs of dementia and you are having difficulty caring for them, please call 856-369-3092 to find out whether a move to a dedicated memory care apartment is the right option for them, and you. To learn more about Tapestries memory care in Camden County, please contact United Methodist Communities at Collingswood or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/what-to-do-when-a-loved-one-with-dementia-wanders-off/

4 Fun Halloween Crafts for Seniors to DIY

Who says that Halloween is just for kids? Halloween is an opportunity for everyone, both young and old, to have fun and get in touch with their spooky side. One great way to do this, besides having a costume, is to create Halloween decorations from scratch. Crafting is a chance to get the whole family together to bond and celebrate the fun of this holiday. If you’re looking for inspiration, our assisted living caregivers at Bristol Glen put together 4 fun Halloween crafts for seniors to take part in with their families.

#1 – Mummy jars

So simple and easy to make, mummy jars are a great place to start your Halloween crafts! All you need is:

• Mason jars
• Bandages
• Googly eyes
• Glue

Wrap the jars in a layer of bandage, leaving the top of the jar open. Use the glue to secure the bandages, keeping in mind that some mummies prefer a messier look. Then, stick the googly eye onto the outside of the jar – done!

You can get as fun or as spooky as you like, adding a mouth or even some fake blood. Fill the mummy jars with candy, Halloween decorations, or place a small candle inside to create a spooky glow at night.

#2 – Halloween wreath

Don’t let those wreath-making skills go to waste until Thanksgiving or Christmas! Alternatively, if you don’t know how to make a wreath, now is the perfect time to learn. There are so many tutorials online about how to make wreaths, and they can be adapted for any occasion. Here’s are the supplies you’ll need:

• Some vine, floral wire, or a metal wireframe.
• Foliage – we love dry grasses and pumpkins for the fall
• Flowers – Choose Halloween colors, dried flowers, or small painted pinecones
• Decorations – Bats, skulls, and spiders – oh my!
• Glue

Start by wrapping the grasses around the frame to create a continuous circle, gluing it in place. Plan out your flowers and decorative natural elements, gluing them in place or attaching them with floral wire. Finally, add your Halloween decorations for maximum spookiness. If you have bats or ghosts, you can make them ‘fly’ off the wreath by attaching them to a little floral wire.

#3 – No-sew pumpkins

It’s just not Halloween without pumpkins, but that doesn’t mean you need to get carving. Here’s what you really need:

• An old shirt in fall colors
• Twine
• Rubber bands
• Cushion stuffing
• Fabric glue

First, cut off the shirt cuffs, and then cut it off at the shoulder so that you have a tube of material. Turn this inside out.

Cut about 6 equal lengths of twine that are about 5 inches longer than the tube of material. Tie these together about 2-3 inches down. Put the twine inside the shirt sleeve so that the knot sticks out the slightly wider shoulder end.

Secure the tube of material at the knot using a rubber band. Now, turn the sleeve inside out. Fill with the cushion filling and secure the top with another rubber band. Space the long pieces of twine equally around the outside of the stuffed sleeve, pulling them each up to the top, around the sleeve to create those pumpkin sections.

Secure this with a rubber band and wrap twine around the top section that you’ve just secured to create a stalk. You can also add artificial fall leaves.

#4 – Pinecone owls and witches

Perfect for the mantlepiece or windowsill, these are easy and fun to make. All you need are:

• Clean pinecones
• Black, white, and yellow felt
• Glue

With this project, you can get as creative as you’d like! Make simple accessories out of the felt and glue them on to create spooky characters for your Halloween display. We love big, round yellow and black owl eyes with a cute beak, witch and wizard hats, even bats with big scary wings!

Our assisted living team in New Jersey loves Halloween as much as our residents do, and we’re planning to make this year a great one! If you’d like to find out more about our community and the assisted living services we offer in New Jersey, contact us or visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/4-fun-halloween-crafts-for-seniors-to-diy/

Learning Experiences For New Dementia Caregivers

Have you recently become a caregiver for someone with dementia? As we get older, most of us will likely need assistance from family and friends, but providing memory care for seniors comes with a specific set of challenges. In this article, we’ll discuss several common learning experiences you’ll probably go through while caring for someone with dementia. We hope this helps you feel confident in your caregiving abilities and strengthens the bond between you and your senior loved one.

Accept the fact that you’ll make mistakes

Providing memory care doesn’t come with an official rule book, and no two people experience dementia in the same way. This means we’re all learning as we go along, trying our best, and accepting that we’ll make mistakes is the first step in having a healthy outlook.

Rather than being too hard on yourself or dwelling on your mistakes, which isn’t helpful for anyone involved, remind yourself that mistakes are actually learning experiences and simply move forward. 

Take notes as you go

Keeping a caregiver journal is an excellent way to help you manage your feelings, emotions, struggles, and victories. It’s also an effective way to track your challenges, including the details of each situation, so you can avoid repeating the same incident in the future. It can be difficult for us to think clearly in the heat of the moment, so writing it all down and reviewing it once things have calmed down is a great tool to help you see what might be done differently next time. You may have epiphanies that benefit you in your caregiving journey. 

Focus on lessons learned, not what went wrong

We’re all hard on ourselves when things don’t go the way we want them to go. Instead of beating yourself up and dwelling on what went wrong, we recommend asking yourself these questions:

• What went well in this situation?
• What did I learn?
• What are the positive aspects of this situation?

Find a senior community nearby and learn from them

The expression, “it takes a village” isn’t only applicable to children. Caring for a senior with dementia requires support from a network of family and friends, and it’s important to realize that you’re not expected to do everything by yourself. 

In addition to leaning on loved ones for help, we recommend joining a local caregiver support group. They’ll be uniquely positioned to understand the challenges you’re facing, and members likely have valuable advice to share. Plus, just knowing that others are going through a difficult situation that is similar to your own can often ease the burden. 

We know it’s not always easy to be positive and feel optimistic when caring for your loved one with dementia. The pressure and the challenges often lead you to being hard on yourself even though you’re trying your best. 

It’s important to recognize when you and your family are no longer able to provide adequate care for your loved one. With busy lives and commitments to work, school, and raising kids, it may be time to consider moving your senior loved one into a designated memory care neighborhood where you know they’ll be safe and well taken care of around the clock. If you’d like to learn more about UMC’s memory care neighborhoods across New Jersey, please give us a call today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/alzheimers-memory-care/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/learning-experiences-for-new-dementia-caregivers/

How to Respond When Someone with Dementia Keeps Repeating Themselves

Dementia impacts short-term memory, so it can directly cause repetitive behavior like repeated speech. Although our first instinct can be to become annoyed or frustrated when someone repeats themself, it’s important to remember that seniors with dementia have little control over this behavior. It’s also important to equip yourself with techniques on how to gracefully handle this situation with your senior loved one. To help you out, our Tapestries Memory Care team has put together a list of ways to respond when someone with dementia keeps repeating themselves. 

Look for the cause of repetition

While repetition is common amongst seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, certain things may cause this issue to worsen. This can include:

• Physical discomfort or pain
• Stress or anxiety
• A physical need not being met
• Disruption or becoming unsettled

Knowing what’s at the root of your loved one’s repetition can help you anticipate it, prepare for it, and address it more effectively. Uncovering these contributing factors will help caregivers better understand what their senior parent is actually going through and correct or manage this underlying issue.

Consider emotional state, not the question itself

Start by objectively evaluating their emotional state rather than repeating the same answer over and over again (something that will leave you feeling understandably frustrated!). Often, this kind of behavior can be a result of feeling anxious or unsettled, and your loved one is looking for reassurance more than an answer to whatever it is they are asking. A hug, a hand squeeze, or another soothing action can help calm their anxiety and ease this behavior.

Introduce a distraction

Repeating a question can put your loved one in a loop that they need a little extra help getting out of. The best way to break the loop is to do something fun. An engaging distraction helps break this focus, move the thinking processes forward, and eases any stress. You can use anything your loved one tends to be very responsive to, from a favorite snack or activity to something as simple as drawing their attention to a beautiful flower or bird nearby.

Stimulate their mind with a helpful activity

In the same vein as distracting your loved ones, having them perform an activity they can do well is a great way to calm and ease the mind. It’s not just helpful for managing repetitive behaviors, it’s also fulfilling for seniors because it affirms usefulness and purpose – and it helps caregivers out too! It could be something as simple as folding laundry, baking cookies, helping with meal preparation, or helping a grandchild complete a task. All you need to do is make sure it’s safe and appropriate to their ability and interests.

Keep answers short and sweet

Try not to use long and complex explanations, as these aren’t just frustrating to repeat, they also may add to confusion or anxiety. If you’re taking your loved one to the dentist and they keep asking why they are in the car, for example, just say that you’re off to the dentist. There’s no need to explain why you’re going to the dentist, what they are going to do there, or anything else. It may seem unfair or insufficient at first, but it delivers a key answer that is easy to say and easier for your loved one to grasp. Keep your tone gentle and light-hearted, and you’ll find it easier to soothe your loved one.

Take a break when needed with professional memory care in South Jersey

It’s absolutely normal to feel frustrated, drained, and even angry when a loved one keeps repeating themselves. You’re only human, after all! To avoid snapping, ease your own stress, and manage your response, it’s important to take a break when you can. If you’re having a challenging week, think about calling in a friend or family member to help you out. If you’re a sole caregiver,  it may be a good idea to think about professional respite care near you. These experienced caregivers understand and work extensively with seniors with memory loss, and can provide a fully trained resource for caregivers to rely on.

At The Shores, leading providers of memory care in Cape May County, we provide on-site, full-time memory care for residents through our Tapestries program, as well as on-site respite care. With activities, social events, outings, and more, we’re proud to help families and their loved ones with dementia live full, stimulating, and rewarding lives. Contact us today to find out more about techniques for dealing with dementia or memory care in South Jersey, or visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/how-to-respond-when-someone-with-dementia-keeps-repeating-themselves/

 

Best Technology to Help Seniors Living at Home

Seniors who are still living at home can always benefit from a little technology. Installing smart technology within the home like security systems, smoke detectors and home assistants like Amazon’s Alexa could not only make your loved one’s life easier, but also protect them from painful falls and other emergency situations. If your loved one is open to technological assistance at home, here are a few of our top recommendations from our reputable home health aides across New Jersey. 

#1 – Smart smoke detectors

Every home should have smoke detectors, but when you have impaired hearing or mobility, it can help to upgrade to something with a little more functionality. Depending on the type of smart smoke detector, you can rig it to not only activate a siren if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, but also to alert specific friends, neighbors, or family members by sending a notification to your smartphone. Some, like the Google Nest Protect, can also send you additional information such as which room the alert came from, run self-tests to make sure everything is in working order, and activate a motion-detection night light feature.

#2 – Wearable emergency contact tech

One of the greatest fears of any senior and their loved one is being unable to reach emergency services when they’re needed. Wearable tech is a simple way to make sure that whatever happens, emergency services can be contacted immediately. Whether it’s a fall on icy stairs, a slip in the bathroom, accidentally getting locked out, or a medical emergency, you’ll have a way to get the help that’s needed. Luckily, wearable tech like the Apple watch, Reemo Smartwatch and Fitbit Sense can be very sleek, stylish and unobtrusive, so it doesn’t carry the stigma that many medical alert items have. In fact, the grandkids are going to be jealous!

#3 - A home assistant

You’ve probably come across home assistants before. You might even have one in your home now, so it’s easy to see why they can be really useful for seniors. Not only can your loved one ask the assistant to call 911, a family member, or a friend if they need help, but they can also check the weather forecast, schedule appointments, set up medication reminders, stream music and control other smart devices (even lights and the TV). These devices, which include the Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, and Google Nest, are good alternatives to wearable technology. The only con is that they have to stay in the home in order to connect to Wi-Fi, while wearable tech is fully operational wherever you go.

#4 – Smart sensors

Sensors can be placed around the home in certain areas to help a senior maintain independence while staying safe. This isn’t usually necessary for seniors in very good health, but for those with early on-set dementia conditions (or a partner with dementia) they can be incredibly useful. For example, sensors on the doors and windows can alert you if they are sitting open, are shut, or have been open beyond a reasonable amount of time. You can see when people are coming or going, if the door has been left open in winter while the dog went out, or if the refrigerator door has been left open after getting a snack. When looking at sensors, find some that are compatible with the home assistant device, or choose a standalone device like the Monoprice Stitch wireless door/window sensor.

#5 – Smart security cameras

A live camera feed can be very useful when you’re caring for your loved one from afar, and more tech-savvy seniors get plenty of use out of them too. Keeping in mind that this isn’t about surveillance but peace of mind, it can help to have a security feed that gives you access to important areas of the home such as the front and back door areas and maybe the kitchen. With your loved one’s consent, camera feeds can be used for making sure the home is safe and secure, giving emergency responders key information if a fall, fire, or emergency occurs, or even giving a wave over the breakfast table each morning. Again, it’s important that the cameras are compatible with the home assistant if there is one. Otherwise, you can use a Wyze cam or Arlo Q cam.

Assistance at home through technology and home health aides

When it comes to technology, there are so many ways to help seniors stay safe and independent at home. Remember to always get your loved one’s consent before you introduce something new, be aware of their privacy and be sure to show off the fun side of this tech!

While technology is a great addition to keep your loved one safe at home, nothing beats the help of a real person who has their best interest at heart. If you’re interested in extra assistance at home for your senior parent, talk to the team at UMC HomeWorks about getting a qualified, experienced, and trustworthy home health aide in NJ. You can also look at our website for more information on how our innovative program works:

https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/ 

This blog was originally published at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/best-technology-for-seniors-at-home/

Festive fall activities for older adults in NJ

The hot summer days are now behind us. As we enjoy cooler temperatures, crisp fall air, and the beautiful changing foliage, it’s a great time to get out and get active with the older adults in your life. If you’re looking for festive fall activities for seniors in NJ, we’ve got several great suggestions that the whole family will enjoy together. 

After spending much of the last 18 months indoors, it’s time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air with your loved ones. With Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner, there’s a huge range of local activities you can enjoy with the older adults in your life. 

Fall Pumpkin Patch 

It’s time to get your house ready for Halloween, and choosing the right pumpkin is a great way to get in the festive mood. You’ll find wonderful pumpkin patches in cities across New Jersey, and whether you want to have a pumpkin carving contest or make a delicious pumpkin pie, visiting your local pumpkin patch is fun for the whole family. Many pumpkin patches also have wacky-shaped pumpkins that are spooky for Halloween!

So head on over to your local pumpkin patch and grab some pumpkins for carving, and a few more for some yummy pumpkin pie. You can also roast the pumpkin seeds – they make a delicious, healthy snack.

Family-Friendly Crafts 

Crafting is something people of all ages can enjoy. Similar to cooking, it’s a great way to spend quality time with your senior parent and it gives you a chance to let your creativity shine. Some of our favorite family-friendly crafts include:

• Fall wreaths. Nothing says, “Fall is here!” like a beautiful fall wreath hanging on your front door. Take a trip to your local craft store and stock up on supplies like pine cones, fall-colored leaves, and mini-pumpkins.
• Thanksgiving centerpieces. You probably have fond memories of sitting down to a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner with your family – do you also remember the centerpiece? Whether you prefer something simple like a fall-scented candle in a glass casing, or something more elaborate like a flower arrangement, a centerpiece will give your table that warm, autumn feeling. 
• Knitting. Scarves, sweaters, gloves, and other autumn to winter must-haves are all great knitting projects, and they make wonderful gifts around the holidays. 

Indoor Gardening

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t still garden. Indoor gardening is a  popular activity your family can enjoy together. You can plant a little herb garden on your kitchen windowsill, or propagate some seeds in a small tray that mom or dad can take with them to their assisted living community. 

Succulents are notoriously hardy, so if you want some low-maintenance plants that can tolerate the colder temperatures, consider starting a succulent collection. Speak with someone at your local garden center who can recommend which plants or seeds will do well this time of year. 

Make Decorations

In addition to the Thanksgiving-themed crafts we talked about above, making Halloween decorations is a super fun festive activity for you, your kids, and the older adults in your life! Some of our favorite Halloween decorations are:

• Scary jack o’lanterns. Showcase your pumpkin carving skills and bring to life a scene from your favorite scary movie. A scary jack o’lantern on your front porch is sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. 
• Creepy cookies and spooky cupcakes. Get creative with some Halloween baking, and share your scary homemade treats with family and friends. Or even with trick-or-treaters this year!
• Spooky pine cones. How many pine cones do you see on the ground while on a relaxing evening walk? Using supplies from your local craft store, you can easily transform these pine cones into little Halloween characters. A tiny felt witch hat, a pair of googly eyes, some little pointy shoes – and voila! You have a great Halloween decoration. You can make ghosts, witches, and other festive creatures. 

To find out more about how we will be celebrating the fall season with our senior residents, give United Methodist Communities a call today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/festive-fall-activities-for-older-adults-in-nj/

How Seniors Can Recover From a Stroke

During the stroke recovery process, your senior loved one will focus on restoring motor skills and overcoming other side effects to the maximum extent possible. This process is really all about remaining as independent as possible while adapting to the new capabilities of their body. Recovery may also require finding additional emotional, social, and physical means of support for your senior loved one. With that said, here are some helpful ways seniors can recover from a stroke from our short-term rehab team in Pitman, NJ

Set achievable goals. The key to setting recovery goals is to remain realistic. Have your loved one first focus on simple physical tasks like bending down to put on socks or walking 40 ft. without becoming out of breath. If you’re not sure what goals are achievable for your senior parent, work with their primary care physician or physical therapist to narrow down what’s possible after their stroke?

Stick to the prescribed exercise routine. After your senior loved one has experienced a stroke, it is likely that they met with a physical therapist in the hospital or in a short-term rehab setting. The physical therapist is able to evaluate mom or dad’s physical state and prescribe exercises that will help strengthen and recover the afflicted areas. These exercises are crucial for recovery because they will not only help build up muscle but will also help teach the brain new ways to move. Sticking to the prescribed routine will support your loved one’s journey to regaining independence with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and bathing.

Stay positive and prioritize mental health. Mom or dad’s recovery depends not only on regaining physical strength but focusing on mental strength as well. Unfortunately, after a stroke, it’s common for the person to experience discouragement and even depression. If these feelings aren’t addressed and tackled head-on, the road to recovery becomes more difficult. That’s why it’s important to always encourage your loved ones to stay positive and to keep working towards their goals. If you are having trouble addressing their mental health, you should consult a professional for evaluation, treatment options, and added support.

Make lifestyle changes to reduce future stroke risk. While your loved one focuses on their physical therapy and mental health, it’s also important for them to incorporate healthier lifestyle changes to avoid having another stroke in the future. For example, if mom or dad doesn’t have the best diet (along with high blood pressure and cholesterol), now is the time to engage them in a low fat, low cholesterol diet incorporating heart-healthy foods such as leafy green vegetables, wholegrain, and fatty fish instead of processed meats. Your loved one should also cut out unhealthy habits like smoking and avoid succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle. Never underestimate the power of a good diet and exercise program!

Stroke Recovery at UMC at Pitman

Seniors who choose to recover at UMC at Pitman receive 24-hour comprehensive care and supervision. Rehabilitation represents the perfect intersection of healthcare, technology, and human connection. Complemented by our environment and professional associates, we can successfully treat those with complex health conditions like stroke recovery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, surgical recovery, and more.

For more information about short-term rehab in Gloucester County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://pitman.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2021/10/04/how-seniors-can-recover-from-a-stroke/

Why Hip Fractures in Seniors Are So Dangerous

Hip fractures in older adults are very common – accounting for over 300,000 hospitalizations each year according to the CDC. Hip fractures aren’t just painful and challenging to recover from; they can also be dangerous if the person in question has additional complications. The risk of mortality can be especially high for people with chronic health conditions, cognitive impairments, mobility issues, and hip fracture treatments that don’t involve corrective surgeries.

For these reasons, it’s important for seniors and their caregivers to know how to help prevent hip fractures, understand the risk factors, and have insight into the best treatments. Here are some answers and advice from our short-term rehab team in Sussex County.

What can make a hip fracture deadly?

As we age, we tend to heal more slowly, develop complications more easily, and experience more severe symptoms than when we were young spring chickens. Hip fractures are especially dangerous because they involve a major bone that directly affects our ability to move. This inability to move impacts circulation, overall health, and healing, putting seniors at risk for:

• Blood clots – Frequently occurring in the lungs and legs, clots may block capillaries, cutting off blood and oxygen supply to limbs (deep vein thrombosis), or may travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Urinary tract infections – UTIs can quickly become serious health issues for both men and women, causing severe discomfort, fever, pain, and even confusion or delirium. These infections put the body under a lot of stress and are especially dangerous if the person has kidney-related health problems.
• Pneumonia – This is a lung infection that is especially dangerous to seniors, filling the lungs with fluid or pus and reducing the capacity of the lungs. Severe pneumonia has a death rate in seniors of around 20%, according to the American Lung Association. To help prevent pneumonia, it’s recommended that seniors stay up to date with a pneumococcal vaccine.

Risk factors

According to the CDC, 95% of hip fractures in seniors are caused by a fall. Your senior loved one is more likely to experience a hip fracture if they have the following risk factors:

• Age – We lose our muscle coordination, balance, and eyesight as we age, making it much easier to fall.
• Bone weakness –Osteoporosis and bone weakness are also common (with osteoporosis more common in women than men), so when a senior does fall, they are more likely to have severe damage.
• Medication –Some medications that seniors take can make them feel tired, lightheaded, or dizzy. Others can even weaken bones and muscles.
• Poor diet – A diet lacking in calcium, vitamin D, and protein will tend to cause weaker bones and muscles.
• Inactivity –Exercise is key to keeping bones and muscles strong, as well as promoting balance and coordination, so being sedentary can increase a senior’s risks.
• Previous hip fracture –If a senior has fractured their hip before, this area of the bone is likely to be weaker, so it’s easier to fracture it again.
• Home environment –Homes that have stairs, poor lighting, clutter, rugs, unstable furniture, and bathrooms without safety enhancements (no grab bars, etc.) increase senior fall risks.

Prevention

There is no 100% guarantee that you can prevent a hip fracture, but taking the following steps will help to significantly reduce the risk:

• Medications – Make sure medications are being taken at the right dose, at the right time. If your loved one is experiencing side effects, take a list of up-to-date prescriptions to their doctor to see what can be done.
• Fall proofing – Clear away clutter, install grab bars and a shower chair in the bathroom, lift rugs, keep pathways through the home clear, install railings on stairs, and make sure lighting is sufficient (especially between the bedroom and bathroom).
• Healthy living – Encourage your loved one to follow a healthy diet, introduce calcium and vitamin D supplements into smoothies, and try out some senior-friendly exercises together.

Hip fracture treatments for seniors

Depending on the type of hip fracture, the doctor will recommend a hip repair using screws or a partial or full hip replacement. All are major surgeries and will require a good rehabilitation program both in a hospital, in a rehabilitation facility, and at home to help your loved one get back on their feet.

At Bristol Glen, we offer on-site short-term rehab in New Jersey for seniors recovering from surgery or illness through our full staff of nursing, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation specialists on our team. Our holistic approach to care not only allows seniors to get a taste of what staying in our assisted living community is like but also allows them to access 24/7 specialized medical and therapeutic services that family caregivers usually cannot provide.

To find out more about short term rehab in Sussex County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/why-hip-fractures-in-seniors-are-so-dangerous/

3 Things Every Family Should Know About Hospice Care

If someone you love is about to enter hospice care, you and your family may have questions about what will happen, what hospice care includes, and how the process works. Hospice care is a type of palliative care for people with terminal illnesses, and the aim is to provide the person with the highest levels of comfort and dignity during their final months. 

Hospice care can be provided in the home by a dedicated hospice care team, or in a long-term care community if the person is no longer able to remain in their home. The choice to remain at home or move to a community is a personal one, and it’s often a decision the whole family makes together. In this article, our hospice care team will explain several key components of hospice care to help you and your family make the best decision for your loved one.

Hospice care is for everyone involved

When someone in your family is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it greatly affects the whole family. While it may seem that the immediate purpose of hospice care is to provide medical care to the person who has been diagnosed, hospice care teams actually work to ease the difficulties the whole family faces. 

Caring for someone with a terminal illness can become both mentally and physically draining. In-home care can lighten the load for family members who have become full-time caregivers by monitoring medication, assisting with routine care, and making sure your loved one is as comfortable as possible. Hospice care teams can also provide valuable resources for emotional and spiritual support, if needed, and keep the family up to date about next steps and expectations. 

Hospice care is provided in the location of your choice 

The top priority of hospice care is the comfort of the terminally ill person. Hospice care teams provide care in your loved one’s home, in assisted living communities, and in dedicated hospice care communities. There are many reasons a terminally ill person may want to remain at home, and equally, there are many reasons why that may not be the best choice for them. 

We recommend making the decision together with your loved one and with the rest of your family. Dedicated hospice care teams will meet you where you are to provide medical care, monitor and administer medications, and help create a comfortable, peaceful environment for your loved one. 

Medication and medical supplies are included within hospice care

Millions of families worry about how they’ll afford hospice care for their loved one. The good news is that hospice care is covered by Medicare, and medication and medical supplies are included in the hospice benefit. 

Some of the most common medical supplies are bandages, incontinence supplies, walking aids, wheelchairs, and hospital beds. These supplies and any medications will be delivered to your home for free, and the hospice care team will teach you how to use everything. 

You deserve to spend precious time with your loved one instead of worrying about trips to the pharmacy for medication and supplies. And thanks to the hospice benefit, you can do just that. Your hospice team will also be there to help relieve the burdens that come from being a caregiver, so you can focus on the valuable time you have left together. 

If you’d like more information about hospice care, or if you have any questions about any of our hospice care communities at UMC, please contact our team today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/3-things-every-family-should-know-about-hospice-care/

Fall Activities for seniors near Collingswood New Jersey

It’s officially fall! That means it’s time to indulge in some classic autumn activities like pumpkin picking, scenic drives, and maybe even some winery tours. Spending some time relaxing and exploring South Jersey is a great way to bond with family, so don’t forget to include grandma and grandpa in all the fall fun! If you’re looking for ideas, here are some fall activities that older adults can participate in who live in South Jersey – right from our activities planning team at UMC at Collingswood.

Enjoy fall foliage at a nearby park. If your senior loved one resides at UMC at Collingswood, then you might already know that there are three beautiful parks nearby: Cooper River Park, Knight Park, and Newton Lake Park. All three spots are perfect to enjoy the autumn scenery. Did we mention Newton Lake Park is pet-friendly? So, pack up the whole family, including your furry friend (yes UMC allows pets!), and have a nice, fall picnic. 

Go pumpkin picking. No fall season is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch at Red Wagon Farm Market is less than an hour away from UMC at Collingswood. So, pick up your senior parent and make a day out of it with the whole family. At Red Wagon, your family can not only pick pumpkins right off the vine, but they can also take advantage of the corn maze, pony rides, and hayrides. After everyone has picked their perfect pumpkin, you can hold a carving or painting contest at home to see who can create the scariest or silliest one!

Tour a nearby winery. William Heritage Winery in Haddonfield is only a 10-15 minute drive from our assisted living community and would make a great day trip for your loved one. Both indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting) are available, and the winery takes reservations online to ensure your friends and family have a nice table to enjoy your day out.

Bake fall treats. If the weather isn’t cooperating and you’d rather stay cozy at home, pick up mom or dad from UMC for a baking night. Light some fall-scented candles around the house and pick up ingredients for some staple desserts like apple or pumpkin pie. Cooking together is a sure-fire way to bond together since everyone loves a sweet treat!

Senior community life in Camden County NJ

Making the transition to assisted living can be an adjustment for sure, but when you retire in a great town like Collingswood NJ, our residents find new friends, fun activities, as well as a safe and comfortable living environment. Our assisted living residents will also have access to all the fun fall activities the surrounding community offers, through transportation options provided by UMC at Collingswood.

To find out more about community life for seniors in Camden County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/fall-activities-for-seniors-near-collingswood-new-jersey/