What are the Signs of Dehydration in Seniors?

Do you drink enough water on a daily basis? What about your elderly loved ones? Many of us don’t! And because we lead busy lives and have dozens of things to worry about on a daily basis, we often forget to hydrate properly. When you’re younger you can sometimes get away with not drinking enough water every day, but seniors are at a greater risk of dehydration for several reasons:

• They’re less sensitive to feeling thirsty
• Their kidneys are less efficient, meaning their urine contains more water
• Their ability to keep balanced fluid levels is decreased
• They’re often on certain medications that can dehydrate them more quickly

So what are the signs of dehydration in seniors? What should you be watching out for? Here are some of the mild and more severe symptoms of dehydration in seniors, to help you ensure your elderly loved ones are properly hydrated.

Mild symptoms of dehydration

• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Feeling weak
• Sleepiness
• Muscle cramps

While these symptoms sound general and can also be signs of something else, if your elderly loved one experiences any of these symptoms, ask them how much water they’re consuming on a daily basis. If they don’t know or can’t remember, monitor their water intake over the next few days to ensure they’re drinking enough, and see if any of their symptoms are alleviated. 

Severe symptoms of dehydration

• Confusion
• Difficulty walking
• Severe cramps and muscle contractions
• Low blood pressure
• Bloated stomach
• Sunken eyes
• Breathing more quickly than normal

If you notice your loved one experiencing any of the above symptoms, give them a big glass of water and contact their doctor immediately. Dehydration can cause a range of serious health problems for seniors, including seizures, heat stroke, kidney complications, and fainting.

How much water does my elderly loved one need?

The best way to find out how much water your loved one needs on a daily basis is to speak with their doctor. Certain factors will impact their daily water intake. For example, seniors who live in hot climates will need more water than those who live in cooler climates, and seniors who are on particular medications may need to adjust their water intake due to medication side effects. 

Benefits of being properly hydrated

Seniors who have an adequate daily water intake are less likely to be constipated, less likely to have a fall, and are at a reduced risk for urinary tract infections. All of these things can be very harmful for older adults, so staying well hydrated is essential as we age. Proper hydration also improves brain performance, boosts energy, and encourages healthy metabolism function. 

If you find that your elderly loved one has trouble remembering to drink enough water on a daily basis, some people find that setting alarms throughout the day serves as a good reminder. You can also turn it into a family game where everyone encourages one another, and you can buy your senior loved one a large water bottle with measurements on it so they know exactly how much they’re drinking. 

If you have any questions, or would like more information about signs of dehydration in seniors and how to prevent it, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/what-are-the-signs-of-dehydration-in-seniors/

Sound Advice on Hearing Loss in Older Adults

Hearing loss is a common effect of aging, affecting over 33% of Americans over the age of 65 and over 50% of Americans over the age of 70. Unfortunately, there is some resistance against getting a hearing aid amongst people with moderate to severe deafness. Loss of hearing has a much greater impact on quality of life than many people imagine, so the team behind the exceptional assisted living community at The Shores is raising awareness about how hearing loss can affect seniors’ quality of life.

Why you’re not doing fine if you have hearing loss

Moderate to severe hearing loss has a significant impact on quality of life for seniors, becoming an issue that causes:

• Safety concerns – A person could fail to hear medication instructions or if there is a knock at the door or an intruder in the house. They also may not hear approaching traffic, another driver honking their horn, or safety alarms and sirens going off outdoors or in their home.

• Lower quality relationships – Hearing loss negatively impacts personal relationships. Whether an older person withdraws from conversations because they struggle to engage and understand what’s going on, it makes it very difficult to communicate and interact. People with hearing loss who don’t use hearing aids can also be easily viewed as confused, disorientated, unwelcoming, arrogant, or inattentive.

• Mental and physical health conditions – When a person struggles to interact with others or stays home out of safety concerns, their mental and physical health will eventually deteriorate. They can suffer increased anxiety, higher stress levels, depression, and mood disorders. They will also be less likely to get the level of exercise needed to keep their body strong and healthy. This can have a negative impact on common chronic health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Although hearing loss can be gradual and considered a normal part of ageing, it has a huge impact on quality of life. The good news is that modern technology related to helping hearing loss is nothing short of miraculous, restoring this sense and helping seniors live more independently and abundantly. Our senior care professionals recommend having annual hearing tests if you are over the age of 60 and, when the test results indicate it’s time, speaking with your doctor about high-quality hearing aids and how insurance and/or Medicare can help pay for a lot of this worthwhile expense.

Assisted Living at The Shores

The Shores is a beautiful community offering assisted living for independent seniors, as well as specialized memory care, rehab, and skilled nursing in Cape May County. Our team is passionate about helping seniors live full and rewarding lives in a safe and welcoming environment. With a great calendar of events and social activities, some of the best dining in town, and spacious apartment-style living, we’re the best place to be for senior living. To find out more about assisted living at The Shores in Cape May County, give us a call or visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/sound-advice-on-hearing-loss-in-older-adults/

A Guide to Aging Gracefully

"Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth." A beautifully expressed philosophy of aging from the text of Desiderata. It's also perhaps, easier said than done! After all, what does it mean to age gracefully? Does it mean you just give up doing things you love? Of course not - but it does mean you need to be aware of the balance that aging requires. Don't be afraid to ask for help - pride is one of the seven deadly sins for a reason! United Methodist Communities, with our abundant life philosophy and Christian mission, completely embodies this philosophy of aging gracefully. Let’s take a quick look at this guide to aging gracefully, compiled by our team of home health aides in New Jersey.

Enjoying the Golden Years on your terms

When you think about what it means to age gracefully, you might think about all the things you won’t be able to do, or how growing older will affect your looks or health. But aging gracefully is a positive thing! It’s about embracing a new way of life with a positive attitude that’s all about living your retirement years to the fullest. 

Why the Golden Years are great!

There’s no clear definition of what old really is – after all, in the early 1900s the average life expectancy was 47 and by 1950 it was only 58. Today, seniors are fitter, healthier, and happier than ever thanks to modern living. In fact, a Harvard study showed that lifestyle factors had a larger  impact on happiness levels than money or fame! After all, with age, we get a good dose of wisdom, fewer stressors from work life, and a greater appreciation of our lives rather than striving for material things. So, how do we keep this up?

Tips for aging gracefully

• Take care of your skin – It’s your body’s largest organ and protecting it will help keep you healthy, heal faster, and regulate your body temperature. For seniors, gentle and deeply nourishing skin care, along with wearing a good sunscreen and covering up while outside, is best. You should also have regular checkups for skin cancer and drink plenty of water.

• Stay physically active – Regular exercise is one of the most powerful ways you can support your health and independence as you age! Exercise lowers stress, keeps the muscles and heart healthy, stabilizes blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and releases endorphins to improve mood. In addition to swimming, walking, dancing, or cycling, seniors should try light weight exercises like yoga or pilates to stay strong.

• Keep eating healthily – Like exercise, good nutrition is critical for healthy, happy senior years. Stick to fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables where possible, eat minimal fried, fatty, sugary, and processed foods, and make sure you are getting plenty of fiber every day.

• Support your mental health – Stress, depression, and anxiety are damaging to the mind and body.Remember that your mental health deserves as much support as your physical health! Make sure you spend plenty of time with friends and loved ones, do activities and hobbies you enjoy, embrace positive attitudes about aging, and don’t hesitate to try new things. Volunteering, learning new skills, and mentoring young people are all wonderful ways to stay connected, keep your mind sharp, and stay in the present!

A helping hand for full, abundant living for seniors!

United Methodist Communities’ HomeWorks program is focused on giving older adults a professional and welcoming hand in maintaining independence and living life with abundance and purpose. Our in-home caregivers are trained and experienced in medication management, nursing skills, meal preparation, and much more, helping every client live independently and enjoy their senior years to the fullest. 

For more information on our services for home care for the elderly or to hire a home health aide in New Jersey, contact us today or visit our website at 

https://homeworks.umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/a-guide-to-aging-gracefully/

5 Safety Tips for Seniors Who Garden

Gardening is a favorite pastime for many older adults, especially for our residents at UMC at Pitman. Hobbies are a huge part of retirement and being able to continue doing what you love is important to anyone’s overall health. That’s why it’s important for us to highlight proper safety tips for seniors to take while gardening.

If you’re ready to take up gardening, but you’re not sure how to start easily and safely – look no further! The assisted living team at UMC at Pitman has put together safety tips for seniors who garden, just in time for National Plant a Flower Day on the 12th!

Safety gardening tips for seniors

Tip #1: Buy gardening tools that are easy to handle. Maneuvering different gardening tools can prove difficult for some seniors – especially those with arthritis, Parkinson’s, or limited mobility. As a baseline, look for tools that are more ergonomic with large, easy-to-grip handles. The tool should feel comfortable in your hands and not be too heavy. It’s also recommended to completely avoid power tools and only use manual ones, especially if gardening alone.

Tip #2: Make sure there is a clear walkway into the garden. In line with sturdy and reliable gardening tools, there should also be a reliable path to and from the garden. The walkway needs to be accessible at all times for those with limited mobility. This means the path needs to be wide enough and smooth enough to accommodate a wheelchair, walker, or cane. The last thing anyone wants is to turn a fun activity, like gardening, into a fall hazard!

Tip #3: Avoid gardening during the hottest time of the day. Luckily, we’re still in March and the weather isn’t too hot yet. However, we will quickly be entering prime spring and summer months where the sun shows no mercy. For seniors especially, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day. This usually falls between 12 pm-4 pm, depending on other weather conditions that are happening that day.

Tip #4: Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and proper clothing. Whether it’s a sunny day or a cloudy day, it’s important for seniors to protect their skin when spending significant time outdoors gardening. Wear sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF and protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also essential to wear clothing and accessories that protect vulnerable parts of the body. We suggest, for example, a large, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for the head, face, and eye protection.

Tip #5: Don’t take on too much at once – spread out gardening tasks throughout the day. When you get into the “groove” of something, it can be hard to pick up and leave a task “unfinished.” However, it’s much more important to know your health and safety limits. When gardening, don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself like planting the entire garden of fruits and vegetables in one day. Instead, focus on a few plants at a time to avoid overworking your muscles and joints. This is particularly important if you have arthritis or other health conditions that limit or affect your range of motion.

Senior activities at UMC in Pitman, NJ

At UMC at Pitman, we always encourage assisted living residents to branch out and explore new hobbies! With proper health and safety guidelines in effect, there’s no reason why our residents can’t socialize and have fun with other residents through their favorite activities.

At our senior community, we’ve been able to successfully hold group sessions such as meditation, fitness classes, movie nights, and even virtual museum tours since COVID-19 first hit. Whatever your hobby, our goal is for every resident to feel completely supported and confident to live their life to the fullest.

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

Original blog posted on https://pitman.umcommunities.org/2022/03/21/5-safety-tips-for-seniors-who-garden/

Tips on How to Explain Dementia to Grandkids

If you’ve been caring for your senior parent with dementia, you have probably come to realize that your relationship will be different from now on. One of the major, most noticeable changes is how you communicate. Altering and adapting the ways in which you communicate with your loved one is essential to maintaining a strong bond and minimizing stress. Although you may understand this is the reality of the situation now, your children may have a hard time even understanding dementia as a whole and how it affects their grandparents.

If this sounds like your current predicament, our team of memory care specialists in Camden County have compiled different communication tips to help better explain dementia to grandchildren.

Tip #1: Start the conversation with full transparency. Be open and honest by offering an age-appropriate explanation to their grandparent’s diagnosis. Try to explain what dementia is and how it will affect grandma or grandpa. For example, grandma may forget some things that may seem easy for everyone else to remember such as the day of the week or your birthday. Reiterate that she is not doing this on purpose and that she may exhibit more changes as time goes on without going into too much detail. There’s no need to alarm them by stating there’s no cure at this time, especially if their grandparent is in the very early stages of dementia and showing very mild symptoms.

Tip #2: Encourage them to ask questions. As scientists and memory care specialists are still researching and questioning many aspects of dementia, it’s only natural for grandkids to have questions too. Allow and encourage them to work through their feelings and curiosity surrounding this memory condition. We’d also like to point out that it’s OK not to have all the answers yourself. If your child asks a question you’re unsure about, gently remind them that it’s a good question to ask and that you’ll get back to them with an answer as soon as you have it.

Tip #3: Comfort them and let them know it’s not their fault. It’s normal for kids to be upset, confused, or even scared of this type of news. They may be afraid of getting dementia themselves or worry that they are doing something to trigger their grandparent’s memory loss. That’s why it’s important to reassure them that what they’re feeling is completely normal and that you also share those same thoughts. It’s also important to remind them that if grandma or grandpa lashes out towards them, it is absolutely not their fault. They did not “cause” this negative reaction – it’s a part of the disease.

Tip #4: Show by example. Undoubtedly, the best way for your child to learn is to have a good role model to follow. Whenever you have the opportunity, show them how to interact with and understand their grandparent with dementia. More importantly, teach them how to react if grandma or grandpa has a bad day and lashes out.

Memory care for seniors and support for caregivers in Camden County NJ

One of the best ways your loved ones can maximize their cognitive abilities and retain their independence is through accessing professional memory care at a reputable senior community. At UMC at Collingswood, Tapestries memory care residents have the opportunity to live in a caring, home-like environment where they are safe to enjoy their hobbies and have meaningful experiences every day.

We also have Life Enrichment Team Specialists on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide specialized care for memory care residents, which includes exercises to improve and strengthen cognitive function. Our specialists are also available to answer any questions you or your family may have and to ease any stress about your loved one’s transition into our memory care neighborhood.

If your loved one is showing early signs of dementia, please call 856-369-3092 to find out how we can successfully meet the needs of your senior parent. 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/tips-on-how-to-explain-dementia-to-grandkids/

How to Explain Dementia to Children

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the diagnosis affects the entire family. Depending on how severe their dementia is and how quickly it progresses, you may need to start making plans for full-time care for your loved one. 

As a parent, your natural instinct is to protect your child from things that may upset them, including their grandparent’s diagnosis. But we recommend being honest with your child and helping them understand the reality of the situation, because after your loved one receives their diagnosis, they’ll need support from the whole family. Here are some tips to help you explain dementia to your children. 

When is the best time to talk to my child?

As soon as possible after the diagnosis, and involve the whole family if it’s possible. If your parent is able to have the conversation with their grandchild, it may be best to hear it directly from them. Don’t expect your child to understand what dementia is, or to grasp the conversation in full, but don’t put off having the conversation. 

Explain that dementia is not the same thing as an upset tummy

Young children usually have limited experience and understanding of illness, so they may think that dementia is something that’ll go away after a week, much like a runny nose or an upset tummy. Be clear and explain to them that dementia is permanent, and that it will cause their grandparent’s behavior to change over the coming months and years. 

Make it clear that they can ask questions at any time

Watching a grandparent change can be very confusing and even frightening for children. When you sit down to have the conversation, give them several opportunities to ask any questions, and let them know that they can come to you at any time with questions at a later time. 

Explain that their grandparent still loves them

Yes, grandma or grandpa may soon exhibit out-of-character behaviors and may also have difficulty remembering who their family members are, so be sure to explain that this is because of dementia, not because they don’t love their grandchildren anymore. 

Reassure them that it’s okay to feel scared

When a child’s grandparent has sudden and drastic changes in mood, behavior, and memory, feeling scared is a completely normal reaction. Reassure them that feeling frightened is normal, and keep reminding them that their grandparent would never intentionally do anything to scare or harm them. 

The expression “honesty is the best policy” definitely applies to explaining dementia to children. Depending on how old your child is, they may be able to grasp certain concepts about the situation, but for younger children you’ll probably need to continue having conversations about their grandparent as they get older and are able to understand more. 

Your senior loved one will need the support of their whole family, so being open and honest is the best way to be supportive. And while it may seem that younger children don’t fully understand what’s happening, having those difficult conversations earlier will help lay the groundwork for future conversations when they’re ready. 

At UMC, our Tapestries Memory Care Community is tailor-made for people with dementia to ensure they live safe, healthy, happy lives. Our memory care specialists are available to answer any of your questions or provide more information, so please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/explaining-dementia-to-children/

March is Women’s History Month! Let’s talk about 3 pioneering women in history

This March, we’d like to spend some time exploring the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history. They’ve helped land Neil Armstrong on the moon, fought for freedom, and invented technologies we rely on today – often going unrecognized for their essential role in human history. Here’s a quick look into the lives of three pioneering women, with a brief description of who they are and what they’ve accomplished from our team of leading providers of independent senior living in NJ.

#1 – Coco Chanel

This revered French designer formed one of the most iconic fashion houses of our time. Ambitious, determined, and entertaining, Coco Chanel was an enigma that transformed fashion and made it accessible for everyday women. She invented so many of the classics we rely on today, from the little black dress, cashmere cardigans, and suits for women to making athletic casual wear chic. She’s hailed as a true liberator of women’s fashion, choosing to focus on helping all women feel comfortable, stylish, and appropriate in any setting. Chanel was the only fashion designer who featured on Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people of the 20^th century, ruling Paris’s fashion scene for almost 6 decades.

#2 – Elizabeth Garrett Anderson

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson is famous for becoming the first woman in Britain to qualify as a physician and surgeon. She achieved this remarkable accomplishment in 1865, after finding a loophole in the educational system, fighting for her place amongst disapproving male peers, and being rejected from all the most prestigious universities for being a woman. Anderson’s practice focussed on women, especially those lacking the resources to access private care. She later became the first woman in Britain to be appointed to a medical post when she became one of the visiting physicians to the East London Hospital for Children. Anderson was an active member of the suffrage movement fighting for women’s right to the vote, established the London School of Medicine for Women, and later became the first female mayor in England.

#3 – Amelia Earhart

The first woman aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earhart was a woman with a will to break barriers and win! The American-born adventurer became a celebrity in the male-dominated world of aviation as the first woman passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane. This wasn’t enough for Amelia, and she went on to break further records, including achieving the US Distinguished Flying Cross for her non-stop solo transatlantic feat. She also became a visiting faculty member for the aeronautical engineering team at Perdue University, a member of the National Women’s Party, a serving Red Cross nurse’s aide in WW1, and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. Amelia Earhart was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, with commemorative memorials to her achievements around the country. Just before her 40^th birthday, she vanished while attempting to become the first woman to circumnavigate the world by airplane. No one knows what truly happened on that flight and she was tragically just 7,000 miles short of her goal, but her achievements remain exceptional to this day!

Exceptional independent living in Sussex County for exceptional men and women

Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Community network, a collection of senior living and assisted living communities in New Jersey dedicated to supporting abundant, independent living.

We’re proud to say that our CCRC in Sussex County earned a place on the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes and Short-Stay Rehabilitation Lists, reflecting our dedication to our residents

If you want to find out more about senior living in Sussex County NJ, then please get in touch today or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/march-is-womens-history-month-lets-talk-about-3-pioneering-women-in-history/

Assisted Living: How To Address Care Concerns With The Community?

The decision to move your senior parent into an assisted living community is never an easy decision to make. You want the best for your aging loved one, you want them to be safe, comfortable, and well taken care of, and you want them to live in a secure environment where they can continue to thrive. 

Elderly parents can be notoriously resistant to change, especially when it comes time to consider moving into a senior living community. While any big life transition comes with a few bumps in the road, there are ways you can support your parent and work with them to positively address any care concerns. Here’s how.

Understand that settling in requires patience

Your parent probably has a routine they’ve adhered to for many years. We all have daily routines that give us a sense of structure, and when our routines get disrupted it can be irritating. For example, if they like to have dinner at 7pm but you learn that the dining hall serves dinner earlier, speak with the staff and ask if they can accommodate your parent’s preference. Many modern assisted living communities are very flexible and don’t adhere to rigid schedules anymore, so they’ll be happy to accommodate your loved one’s preferences. 

Ask open-ended questions instead of just complaining

Let’s say your parent has shared with you that they don’t like some of the meals they’ve been served. Instead of complaining to the staff, a more constructive approach is to ask some questions, including: Are there any alternative meal options available? Can we please know what the choices are?

Working together to find a solution is usually the best way forward, and open-ended questions give both parties the chance to explore the best choices for them. 

Document all issues

Keep a written log of any concerns or complaints your loved one shares with you, and get as many details as possible. When you share your concerns with the staff, using the written log will help you discern if there are any patterns, for example if it’s a specific time of day, or if the concerns are a once-off. 

Give immediate feedback

Some people don’t report an issue or a concern right away because they don’t want to overreact, or they decide to wait and see if it happens again, but we encourage you to report any issues or concerns immediately. The assisted living community staff will appreciate knowing that their residents feel comfortable enough to come to them with their concerns, and they’ll do what they can to remedy the issues. 

Get to know all the staff 

When your elderly parent moves into a senior living community, take the time to introduce yourself to the administrators, the nurses, the security guards, and everyone else your loved one will have contact with on a regular basis. Building a network of community members is extremely important and will help you know the right person to speak with if an issue arises. 

Helping your senior loved one transition into an assisted living community will undoubtedly come with some bumps in the road, but more often than not you’ll find that the staff are happy and willing to work with you to ensure your parent has everything they need and that all of their concerns are addressed. 

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/assisted-living-care-concerns/

For St. Patty’s Day, There’s More Than Corned Beef and Cabbage

Are you looking for St. Patrick’s Day foods that are easy to make and not the typical corned beef and cabbage? Here are some of the most classic and delicious Irish recipes to try out when you celebrate your heritage, from memory care specialists in South Jersey.

Irish stew

Unlike corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew is actually Irish! It’s easy to make – especially if you have a slow cooker – utterly delicious, and perfect when the weather’s still a bit nippy outside. You can substitute the lamb for a chuck roast if you prefer, but all the rest of the ingredients are easy to find and seasonal too. Originally a peasant dish, the recipe dates all the way back to 1800 and uses widely available ingredients and cheaper cuts of meat that are ideal for slow cooking. It’s tender, nutritious, and hearty – and you won’t be able to stop yourself from going back for seconds.

Irish Fifteens

For anyone with a sweet tooth, no-bake Irish Fifteens are a favorite! They’re a great option for dessert or with coffee, and the grandkids can help make them too. They’re called fifteens because they need fifteen of each ingredient, which includes graham crackers, marshmallows, glace cherries, condensed milk, and desiccated coconut. You can also add in additional sweets like chocolate chips or Maltesers – British malted milk candies that have recently made their way to the U.S.!

Potato cakes/Potato Farl

It doesn’t get more traditional than this Irish recipe for potato farl, the perfect side dish to any breakfast fry up or toasted for snack time. It’s a common food in any Irish supermarket but it’s also easy to make at home, which makes it perfect for St. Paddy’s celebrations in the USA. This potato bread is cut into triangles and baked, which is where it gets its name – in Irish, farl is any triangular baked product. Using cooked potatoes, salt, butter, and flour, this simple bread is light, fluffy, and tasty, especially when finished off on a griddle or frying pan.

Irish champ

Another wonderful traditional Irish food for St. Patrick’s Day is Irish champ. It’s a great side dish for family dinners and a wonderful crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Made with mashed potatoes, milk, cheese, butter, and young green scallions, it’s rich, filling, creamy, and delicious as well as easy to make! Potato dishes are integral to many different Irish recipes, dating back to the English conquest of Ireland. The conquest impoverished the country and made potatoes one of the only food steadily available for common folks to eat. Despite this sobering history, dishes like Irish champ show just how wonderful the humble potato can be.

Irish soda bread

Soda bread is a no-yeast bread that is quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy freshly baked bread every day – even on St. Patrick’s Day! It’s the perfect staple for sandwiches, breakfast fry-ups, and soups, and it has a dense, soft inside with a deliciously crisp and crunchy crust. It’s made with cold butter, buttermilk, flour, egg, baking soda, and a little salt, giving it a crumbly, flaky texture and a uniquely flavorful taste.

Yellow man

Yellow man is another fun Irish recipe that’s great for kids (and adults!) to make and enjoy. This sweet treat is essentially a honeycomb made by mixing butter, syrup, or honey and sugar with baking soda and vinegar. This creates a mix of bubbling sugary foam that sets to a hard candy you then break up with a hammer once it’s completely cooled. A delicious and affordable sweet snack that melts on your tongue, yellow man can be stored in an airtight container away from moisture for up to one month, after which it becomes chewier rather than melt-in-the-mouth.

At The Shores, a United Methodist Communities assisted living community

We offer a beautiful, active residential “neighborhood” for seniors with dementia conditions. Our memory care specialists in South Jersey aim to create a safe, compassionate, and enjoyable space for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, where the quality of life is a priority. To find out more about memory care in Cape May County, contact us today or visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/for-st-pattys-day-theres-more-than-corned-beef-and-cabbage/

Are Your Parents Aging Alone in a Big House? Tips to Help Keep Them Safe!

Wonderful family homes filled with happy memories can slowly become safety concerns as our parents become age and find themselves living alone. While aging at home does come with the comforts of familiar surroundings and neighborhood connections, there are also health and safety concerns to consider. Here’s some quick and easy advice for making homes safer for seniors, from our home health aide providers in NJ.

#1 – Rearrange furniture

Change furniture arrangements in bedrooms, living, corridors, and dining areas so that there are wide, clear paths through the space. Be prepared to sell old, bulky furniture and replace it with more comfortable, supportive chairs and couches that take up less space and are easier to sit down on and get up from. 

A more open home environment is also less likely to result in a fall and creates sufficient space for walkers and wheelchairs. Doorways should be at least 32” across, and furniture should be removed from tight corners near doorways to make turning and maneuvering easier.

It’s also a good idea to install grab bars in key areas such as the bathroom and even the bedroom. Make sure they are securely installed and can carry your loved one’s weight, making getting up and bathing much easier and safer.

#2 – Go more minimalist

The more “stuff” your parents have in their home, the more likely they or an elderly friend are to trip and fall over. A more minimalist look doesn’t have to be cold and clinical, and it’s a wonderful way to clear out clutter while making your parent’s home a wonderful space for gatherings and everyday life. 

Old magazines and newspapers, throw rugs, unused furniture, full cupboards, and unused items should be sold, donated, stored, or passed on to family members. Arrange pictures and photographs on a wall rather than on surfaces, store books and everyday items on easy-to-reach shelving, and file important paperwork in a secure place. 

Making these changes will not only help prevent falls and fire hazards, but they will also make the home much easier to clean. Think about it as a refresh for their golden years and get your family together to give the home a fresh coat of paint and a new lease on life!

#3 – Have emergency numbers handy

Make sure your mom and dad have all emergency numbers handy – and that they have a cell phone they are comfortable using. Good emergency numbers to include on speed dial are your personal number and emergency family contacts, 911, their professional caregiving service, and their doctor’s office. These numbers can also be printed in large format and stuck on the fridge and by their bed.

If they aren’t comfortable using a cellphone or often forget where it is, then it’s a good idea to invest in some medical wearable tech. The Apple watch, for example, looks stylish and has automatic fall detection and an SOS button, the Alert-1 mobile has a GPS, emergency call button, and automatic fall detection, and the Lively Wearable also has fall detection, a daily step counter, health tips, and urgent response button. These wearable devices can assist your senior parent with anything from accidentally getting locked out of the house to medical emergencies.

#4 – Get home assistance for daily tasks

Everyday tasks can become a struggle as parents get older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to move out of their home. A home health provider can take on these tasks for your parents so that they can spend more time safely enjoying their Golden Years. Home health aides can provide a wide range of assistance by the hour depending on what your parents need. Common services range from around-the-clock nursing and companionship to weekly help with grocery shopping, going to appointments, and medication management. They are a wonderful resource for taking care of your parents, as they make cleaning easier for seniors, take care of meal preparation, offer companionship, and can keep in touch with you about any potential health and safety concerns.

By letting a qualified professional caregiver take care of these essential tasks, you can remove a lot of health and safety hazards from your parent’s home. You can rest assured that someone reliable is there to take care of them on a regular basis.

Make living at home easier for your senior parents

As part of the United Methodist Communities network, the HomeWorks program is designed to provide New Jersey seniors with expert in-home care and companionship. Our services are customized to each client and are provided by experienced, compassionate home health aides who have a passion for working with seniors. To find out more about hiring a home health aide in New Jersey, please contact us today or visit our website at

https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/senior-care-new-jersey/

This blog was originally published at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/are-your-parents-aging-alone-in-a-big-house-tips-to-help-keep-them-safe/

Senior Health Tips: How to Keep Kidneys Healthy

In honor of World Kidney Day on the 10th, we find it very important to share different ways for seniors to keep their kidneys healthy. Here’s what you need to know about kidney health from our senior care specialists in Collingswood, NJ.

Why are healthy kidneys so important for seniors?

Kidney health is often overlooked in the grand scheme of senior health issues, but the kidneys are a vital organ. Each about the size of your fist, the kidneys are located near the bottom of your ribcage and perform many functions within the body. Most people have two kidneys, but there are a select few that are only born with one. The most notable jobs of the kidneys are to filter waste from the blood and to produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control red blood cell production.

This is so crucial because waste buildup in your body can cause serious problems and eventually lead to death if left untreated. To remedy kidney damage, your blood would have to be filtered artificially through dialysis, or you would need a kidney transplant waiting list, which are typically years long. Fortunately, the body will continue to expel waste properly and produce necessary hormones, as long as good kidney health is maintained. Here are some tips on how seniors can prioritize this now.

Tip #1: Keep blood pressure and blood sugar under control. People with high blood pressure and/or high blood sugar levels are more likely to develop kidney damage. High blood pressure is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease, since it directly impacts the kidneys’ abilities to filter through impurities in the blood properly. Those with high blood sugar in the form of diabetes are more susceptible to kidney damage if their sugar isn’t properly regulated. This is because the kidneys would have to work extra hard to regulate and filter the sugar in the blood – which can lead to life-threatening damage. If you or a loved one has high blood pressure or diabetes, it’s important to speak to a doctor about effective treatments immediately.  

Tip #2: Drink a lot of water throughout the day. Regular daily water intake helps clear toxins from your kidneys. The amount of water you’d need daily would depend on a number of factors, but the baseline to aim for is eight glasses of water. Not to mention, staying hydrated has many other health benefits besides promoting good kidney function.

Tip #3: Be aware of side effects from over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Consistently taking OTC pain relief medications like Advil and naproxen can cause damage to the kidneys over time. If you or a loved one needs relief from chronic pain, please talk to a doctor about other remedies that don’t put the kidneys at risk.

Tip #4: Quit smoking. We all know smoking is bad, but exactly how bad is it for your kidneys? Smoking causes direct damage to the body’s blood vessels, which leads to slower blood flow and even kidney cancer. Kicking this bad habit to the curb will both lower your risk of contracting this type of cancer and stop damaging blood vessels.

Tip #5: Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active, eating well, and monitoring your weight are all sure-fire ways to keep kidneys healthy. Seniors who are overweight are at higher risk of developing health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease, which all cause significant kidney damage. If you or a loved one are teetering between a healthy and unhealthy weight, it’s essential to keep moving everyday and maintain a diet that is low in sodium and processed foods. Healthy, nutrient-rich foods to incorporate into the daily diet include blueberries, cauliflower, wholegrains, and fish for protein.

Healthy senior living residents in Camden County

At our health-conscious senior living community in Collingswood, we’re more than happy to keep our residents accountable to their health and fitness goals. We offer a variety of fitness classes to satisfy every resident’s mobility, such as group yoga, meditation, and dancing – just to name a few. Aside from exercise programs, we also provide meal plans packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that help combat health conditions, like kidney disease, that are all too common in seniors.   

To find out more about how we’re keeping seniors healthy in Collingswood, NJ, please call us today or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/collingswood/senior-health-tips-how-to-keep-kidneys-healthy/

The Ultimate Guide To Preventing Arthritis

 

Arthritis is a common condition that causes a person’s joints to become stiff, painful, and swollen. While arthritis affects people of all ages, many people develop arthritis as they age and the inflammation can greatly affect your quality of life. 

Arthritis most often affects the joints in the fingers, knees, and hips, and although there is no cure, there are ways to prevent arthritis and reduce the severity of the symptoms so you can continue enjoying your life and the activities you love. 

Eat fish

Fish, especially salmon and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids that have many benefits for your health, including reducing inflammation. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is important for everyone, and those suffering from arthritis may find that incorporating salmon or some other fish into their diets twice a week helps ease inflammation in their joints.

If you’re a vegetarian or don’t like fish, there are other healthy foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and various plant oils are all rich in omega-3s, or you may opt for omega-3 capsules made from fish oil or algae oil that you take once a day. 

Control your weight

Your joints, particularly your knees and your ankles, will incur a lot of wear and tear over the course of your life. The heavier you are the more stress your joints will be under, and for those who develop arthritis this can make it difficult to be mobile. There is no singular weight range that is considered “healthy”, so we recommend you speak with your doctor about what’s healthy for you, and follow their advice on maintaining your weight. 

Exercise

Exercise has a huge range of benefits, including strengthening the muscles around your joints, making them stronger and more mobile. Staying active is critical as we age, but the thought of vigorous exercise can be intimidating. The good news is that there are many low-impact activities you can do to keep your joints healthy, like brisk walks, swimming, and water aerobics classes. Check out what senior exercise classes your local gym offers, and don’t be afraid to try new things.

Protect your joints

There are certain movements we do often that can cause damage to our joints after years of repetition. Things like climbing stairs, lifting heavy items up off the ground, and squatting down low can make your joints deteriorate faster, and these movements can become very painful if you have arthritis. 

Wearing knee sleeves, wrist braces, and other support braces help protect your joints while allowing you to continue moving as usual. When lifting heavy items up off the ground, remember to keep your back straight and lift with your knees to reduce strain on your lower back. 

Avoid injury

Avoiding injuries is easier said than done because no one sets out to incur an injury, but the older we get the longer it takes to recover from injuries, so being cautious is important. Always stretch and warm up before any physical activity, especially if you’re trying something new, and don’t take any risks if you don’t feel comfortable. 

As mentioned above, knee sleeves, wrist braces, and other supportive braces can help protect your joints, but speak with your doctor to ensure you’re wearing the best supportive garment for your specific circumstances. A large part of avoiding injuries is recognizing that as we age we simply won’t be able to do many of the things that we did when we were younger, and learning how to adapt and change to best suit our bodies. 

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/guide-to-preventing-arthritis/

The Importance of Eating Seasonal Foods, Especially for Seniors

Wherever you live, chances are that your local grocery store has a wide range of fruits and vegetables available all year round. While that’s great for convenience, it’s not always the best for your health. Here’s some insight into what it means to eat seasonally and why it’s better for your health, especially if you are a senior.

What is seasonal food?

Seasonal food is the produce you can buy at the time it’s harvested. Fruits and vegetables have a seasonal cycle and eating seasonally means eating what’s just been harvested in your local area. Think strawberries and peaches in summer, and squash and nuts in the fall.

What’s the problem with out-of-season produce?

There’s nothing inherently wrong about out-of-season produce like avocados from South Africa, oranges from Spain, or tomatoes from Mexico. Eating them as they are harvested while in those areas is actually eating seasonal produce! However, getting them to your local grocery store means that they have to travel extensively before they get to your plate. Just think about what has to go into bringing freshly harvested bananas from Brazil’s summer harvest to your table in winter!

By the time those bananas get to you, they’re not as good as seasonal produce from your local area. This is because:

• They are picked before they’re fully ripe, so they don’t get the full nutritional content and flavor of a freshly harvested, ripe product
• They have to travel for days or weeks, with nutritional qualities and flavor lessening each day
• They may be sprayed with preservatives and other chemicals to help keep them in good condition during the journey

In addition, the carbon footprint and packaging needed to import and transport out-of-season produce is terrible for the environment – and it does nothing to support local farmers either.

Why eating seasonally is essential for good senior health

To stay healthy, seniors need to eat plenty of nutritious food. Vitamins and nutrients help to keep the mind and body healthy, reduce the risk of age-related health conditions, and can help manage a wide range of chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Because these foods are so fresh and tasty, they can also be consumed in a healthier way, including in fresh salads, soups, as steamed veggies, or even low sugar desserts.

How to find seasonal food

So, we’ve established that seasonal food is tastier, more nutritious, better for the environment, and better for local farmers – not to mention better for seniors! But how can you find it? There are some great apps like the Seasonal Food Guide that anyone can use, and you can also print out a useful little “What’s in Season” produce calendar too. Here’s a quick guide to when basic fruits and vegetables are in season in New Jersey.

• Apples – July to October (cold storage apples available until spring)
• Asparagus – May, and June
• Beets – June to December
• Broccoli – June to November
• Blueberries – July and August
• Carrots – June to September (cold storage carrots available to March)
• Cauliflower – August to November
• Corn – July to August
• Cranberries – October to December
• Fennel – October and November
• Green beans – July to September
• Grapes – September and October
• Kale – June to November
• Leeks – August to December
• Nectarines – August and September
• Pears – August to December
• Peas and pea greens – April to July
• Potatoes – July to December (cold storage potatoes available year-round)
• Rhubarb – May to July
• Spinach – May to September
• Tomatoes – July to September
• Winter squash – August to December
• Zucchini blossoms and zucchini – June to September

In northern states, it’s obviously a bit difficult to eat seasonally all the time, but it’s a good opportunity to eat seasonally more often. Also, you can store many seasonal fruits and vegetables for months or even years by canning and preserving them.

Health, happiness, and abundant living – Independent senior living in NJ

Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Communities network of senior living communities. We’re passionate about providing a space where seniors have the assistance and resources needed to live a full, abundant, and independent life. From delicious dining options to a full social calendar, we have it all! If you want to chat about independent living in Sussex County or how we help senior residents stay healthy, get in touch with us or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org

Original blog posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/the-importance-of-eating-seasonal-foods-especially-for-seniors/