Questions to Ask Your Parent Before Choosing a Senior Living Community

Making the decision to move your aging parent into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) can be difficult for everyone involved. Unfortunately, due to outdated stereotypes, some older adults are resistant to the idea of senior living communities because they fear losing their independence. Even though the conversations about CCRCs can be tense, honest communication is key to ensuring your family makes the right decision for  your senior loved one’s well being . 

It’s important to take your parent’s opinions, thoughts, and feelings into consideration when choosing a senior living community. Here at UMC, we’ve put together a list of essential questions to talk through with your parent that will help identify the best living arrangement for them:

• If your health needs change, do you want to move or stay where you are? One reason CCRCs are so popular is that if your loved one’s health needs change, there’s no need for them to uproot themselves and move into a new community. They can stay right where they are and continue receiving the medical care they need. Moving, especially for seniors, can be stressful and anxiety-inducing because they have to acclimate to an entirely new environment. In a CCRC like UMC at Bristol Glen, your loved one can remain in their community even when their health and medical needs change.

• What level of support do you require in your everyday life? There is no one-size-fits-all approach to senior living – every senior has a different spectrum of needs and requires a customized level of support. Perhaps your aging parent only needs help with sporadic tasks like cleaning and laundry, or maybe they need more hands-on support with everyday things like dressing and cooking. 

• Do you need help getting out of bed, getting up out of a chair, or using the restroom? Assessing your parent’s mobility is an important part of deciding which assisted living arrangement will be best for them. The levels of care provided in CCRCs range from minimal support to full-on assistance, and it’s important to understand what type of support your loved one will need with their general mobility, such as getting out of bed in the morning or moving from room to room. 

Preparing for assisted living in Sussex County

We understand that your parent might be apprehensive or maybe even a little resistant to the idea of moving into a CCRC. We encourage you to come visit UMC at Bristol Glen, so the whole family can experience the benefits of living our vibrant, thriving CCRC first-hand. You’ll find a diverse range of senior residents who retain their independence, while pursuing their hobbies and new interests. You’ll also have a chance to see the varying levels of care our dedicated associates provide. 

CCRCs are designed to allow residents to continue living their lives as they wish for as long as possible. Rather than hinder independence, CCRCs do exactly the opposite – they provide essential medical care that enables older adults to remain independent and remain active for as long as it’s safe for them to do so.

For more information about UMC at Bristol Glen, or if you have any questions about having the conversation with your senior parent, please contact our team today. Discover why so many people in and around Sussex County New Jersey choose our CCRC for their loved ones.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/questions-to-ask-your-parent-before-choosing-a-senior-living-community/

The Advantages of Living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)

If you and your loved one have started to discuss moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), we understand that there may be some reluctance and hesitation. Moving can be a very stressful experience and sometimes older adults feel resistant to making big changes. Especially, a big change like moving out of their home and into a new environment. However, when seniors can no longer live safely alone, it’s time to consider a new option that still promotes their independence. 

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is an excellent option for NJ seniors entering assisted living. These communities offer levels of care based on your loved one’s health and independence. There are many advantages of living in a CCRC, including:

• CCRCs offer similar amenities to assisted living communities, plus the necessary daily care services that residents need. Amenities like a beauty salon, on-site pharmacy, fitness center, game and activity room, and scheduled social events are available to all residents of CCRCs. Residents enjoy the community feel while receiving the medical care they need. 
• There’s no need to uproot your loved one if a major medical issue arises. Continuing Care means exactly that: your loved one can remain in their community even if the status of their health changes. Moving, especially for older adults with medical needs, can be very disruptive and frustrating. You don’t want to take your loved one out of a familiar, enjoyable environment simply because they require more medical care. 
• CCRCs accommodate all different levels of independence. Many seniors are reluctant to move into an assisted living community because they fear it indicates a loss of their independence. When you and your loved one visit a CCRC, however, you’ll notice it feels more like an apartment complex than an assisted living community. As your loved one’s ability to be independent changes, the specialized care team at their CCRC will step in without any major changes or disruptions to their routine.
• You won’t have to break any contracts if your loved one needs to relocate. Injuries and other health issues can mean an immediate change in the care services your loved one requires, and if you’re locked into a rental contract it can be expensive to break it. Plus, being able to keep your loved one in a familiar environment gives your whole family much-needed peace of mind.

Continuing Care Retirement Community in Sussex County New Jersey

The spectrum of services offered at most CCRCs is diverse, including memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, speech-language therapy, and more. Assisted living wings are also a part of many CCRCs. When older adults transition into this phase of their lives, they often find a new sense of independence as they’re able to explore new hobbies and interests, make new friends, and manage their own daily activities – as they choose. 

Bristol Glen, our Continued Care Retirement Community in Sussex County, New Jersey, is ideal for older adults of all abilities. The Bristol Glen lifestyle enables residents to maintain their independence for as long as possible, while also offering on-site care services that adhere to all medical needs. 

For more information about CCRC living at UMC at Bristol Glen, please contact our team today. Discover why so many people in Sussex County New Jersey choose us when it’s time to move a loved one into a CCRC. 

If you have any other questions about senior living in NJ, please visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/continuing-care-retirement-community/the-advantages-of-living-in-a-continuing-care-retirement-community-ccrc/

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

 

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

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

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

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

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

Assisted Living

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

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

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

Flexible senior living options in Sussex County, NJ

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

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

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

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

Celebrating Nurses on National Nurses Day

 

National Nurses Day is May 6, and at our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sussex County, we think it’s so important to honor nurses as the everyday heroes they are.

When we reflect on the past year, it’s impossible to ignore the impact that COVID-19 had on all of our lives. From the earliest days of the pandemic, nurses were on the frontlines providing essential care and comforting people during very stressful, anxious times. 

In assisted living in UMC at Bristol Glen in Sussex County, we’ve put together some fun and meaningful ways to celebrate the nurses in our lives on National Nurses Day:

• Use the hashtag #NationalNursesDay in your social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Whether you want to recognize your family members and friends who are nurses, or post a more general message of acknowledgement and solidarity, it’s a great way to show your support. Also, if your social media profiles are public then anyone following the hashtag will be able to see your tribute.
• Make handmade cards for the nurses in your life. Perhaps you have a loved one in a CCRC who receives regular care from a nurse, or maybe you have a doctor’s appointment around May 6. We’ve all received care from nurses at some point in our lives, so handmade cards with heartfelt messages are a wonderful way to make their day.
   
• Make gift baskets filled with self-care items. Nurses spend all day on their feet rushing around. Rarely do they get time to themselves because they’re always so busy taking care of others. With that said, put together a few gift baskets for the nurses you know, and include items that are perfect for relaxation like face masks, bath bombs, herbal teas, scented candles, chocolates, and a little note to express your thanks.
• Bake some tasty treats. If you know any nurses then you know they often struggle to find time to cook, so why not make some delicious meals or sweet treats for them to enjoy? They’ll appreciate the thought and it’ll fit perfectly into their busy schedules.

Celebrating our assisted living nurses in North Jersey

At UMC at Bristol Glen, our nurses are the backbone of our community. They work very hard to provide all of our residents with a safe, comfortable experience and we greatly appreciate everything they do.  

Nurses at Bristol Glen keep our CCRC running smoothly and keep our senior residents in our assisted living, Tapestries Memory Care and skilled nursing  neighborhoods properly cared for, including monitoring and administering medications, conducting routine health check-ups, monitoring vitals, working with residents on their mobility issues, and much more. 

If you’ve ever visited a CCRC then you were probably struck by how “non-medical” it seemed. You won’t find hospital equipment at every corner and it won’t feel institutional like a  hospital. Instead it’ll feel more like a condo complex or a senior community – but rest assured our nurses are there working behind the scenes to keep everyone safe, healthy, and happy. 

For more information about Bristol Glen, our CCRC in Sussex County New Jersey, please contact our care team today or visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/skilled-nursing-long-term-nursing-care-sussex-county-nj/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/celebrating-nurses-on-national-nurses-day/

How to Spot Seniors with Undernutrition

 

It’s natural to experience a decrease in appetite as we age, but it’s very important that older adults eat a balanced diet and receive adequate nutrients every day. Certain medical conditions, medications and mobility issues can also interfere with seniors’ appetites. It’s essential to be able to recognize the signs of undernutrition, especially if your senior loved one lives alone and you’re not able to be with them for every meal. 

Here are several signs of undernutrition in seniors, and how you can address them:

• You never see any dirty dishes in the sink. Try to visit around standard mealtimes or just after mealtimes, and take notice if there are ever any dirty dishes in the sink, freshly-washed dishes on the drying rack, or if the dishwasher is running. If your loved one’s kitchen is absent of recently-used dishes, gently ask them if you can fix them a meal or a snack, and inquire about the last time they ate. 
• The fridge and the cabinets are nearly empty. While we all love to dine out from time to time, even the least talented chefs have some basic ingredients in the fridge and in the cabinets. Take a peek around your loved one’s kitchen and ensure they are decently stocked with enough basic ingredients to make at least a week’s worth of meals. 
• The fridge and the cabinets often contain expired items. We’ve all left a bag of spinach in the fridge past the expiration date, but our kitchen should not be filled with expired food items constantly. Check your loved one’s fridge to be sure its contents are fresh and good to use. If not, perhaps suggest you go grocery shopping together to be sure they’re buying ingredients they like and can prepare easily. 
• They have dentures but don’t wear them regularly. Most people with dentures keep them in all day and only remove them before sleeping. With that said, if you notice your loved one isn’t wearing them during the daytime when you visit, it could be because they haven’t eaten all day. We recommend asking if their dentures fit properly, and offer to accompany them to the dentist if necessary.

Proper nutrition in assisted living 

At Bristol Glen, our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), we monitor our residents’ meals and ensure they receive all the nutrients they need on a daily basis. Unlike the outdated stereotype where mealtimes are strict, at Bristol Glen we allow our residents to set their own schedules and eat whenever it makes sense to them. We also have trained associates onsite who tend to any special nutritional needs, dietary requirements, or food intolerances. 

For more information about Bristol Glen, or if you have any questions about CCRCs, please contact our UMC team today. Discover why so many people in Sussex County New Jersey choose us as their trusted assisted living community. 

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/assisted-living/how-to-spot-seniors-with-undernutrition/

5 Americans Who Did Great Things After 65

 

There’s a popular saying that goes, “Youth is wasted on the young.” With age comes wisdom, experience, and the realization that you’re never too old to pursue new passions and interests. So if you feel like you’re letting your age hold you back, here are five inspiring Americans who did great things after they turned 65.

• Grandma Moses. Born Anna Mary Robertson Moses in 1860, she started painting at the age of 78 when her arthritis no longer allowed her to continue her embroidery work. She had no formal training as an artist and painted scenes depicting happy childhoods, including vacations at various rural locations. An art collector from New York City came across her paintings, purchased them all, and started exhibiting her work in museums. 
• Frank McCourt. Born in New York City, he split his childhood between the U.S. and Ireland. Frank didn’t start writing until he was 65. You may recognize him as the author of the hugely popular novel Angela’s Ashes, which won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. The novel depicts the extremely deprived conditions of Frank’s childhood, was also made into a film and is considered a global success. 
• Duncan Hines. A pioneering restaurant critic and food reviewer, Duncan was born in Kentucky in 1880. While working as a traveling salesman, he started keeping records of restaurants he came across during his travels to share with family and friends. This morphed into his famous American restaurant guide, and Duncan expanded his reach into bread and other baked goods. It wasn’t until age 73 that he successfully licensed his name to the company that created Duncan Hines cake mixes still available today.
• Julia Child. The iconic chef didn’t get her start in the culinary world until she reached 50 years old, and her global success didn’t come until some years after that. After a career in media and government, she and her husband moved to France and Julia decided to pursue her passion for cooking. She went on to publish many cook books, hosted a successful cooking show, and became the first woman to be inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s Hall of Fame.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder. Author of the classic American series Little House on the Prairie, Laura published her first book in 1932 when she was 65 years old. Her writing is now considered an important part of American historical fiction and is still read by people around the world. Her writing has also been turned into movies enjoyed by children and adults alike. 

Independence in senior living 

While the phrase “senior living” may conjure up preconceived notions of strictly regimented routines day in and day out, at our continuing care retirement community (CCRC) Bristol Glen, these preconceived notions are certainly not reality. Our residents are free to continue living their lives, while retaining their independence. At Bristol Glen, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment in which they can pursue their hobbies, passions, and interests. 

For more information about UMC at Bristol Glen, our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey, please contact our team today. Discover why so many people choose us as their trusted senior living community. 

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-americans-who-did-great-things-after-65/

Smart Home Technology: Understanding the Benefits for Seniors

 

Smart home technology has made life easier and more convenient for so many people over the last decade. Devices like voice-controlled thermostats and lights, voice-activated coffee machines, voice-controlled security systems, and customized daily reminders make your home as comfortable as possible.

For seniors who live alone or in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), smart home technology can enhance their lives and create a safer environment. It also allows them to retain their independence and can give their loved ones peace of mind. So, what are some of the most popular smart home technologies, and how can they benefit seniors?

• Smart thermostats for improved sleep quality. We’ve all experienced restless nights, trouble falling asleep, and waking up because we’re too hot or too cold. Getting a good night’s rest is essential for your health, especially for seniors. Using a voice-controlled smart thermostat will help you achieve the right temperature in your bedroom without having to move. Therefore, keeping your sleep uninterrupted and sound.
• Smart medication dispensers. It’s so easy to get distracted and forget to take your daily medications. Or to forget what time you’re supposed to take each medication. For seniors who are on multiple medications, taking them at the right times throughout the day is essential. Smart medication dispensers like Reminder Rosie help you stay organized and on track with your medication schedule. You can also use certain medication dispensers to remind you of other daily tasks and appointments. Think of it as a multipurpose to-do list!
• Smart technology for a safe, energy-efficient environment. How many times have you left the house and accidentally left some lights on, or couldn’t remember if you turned the stove off? Have you ever left in a hurry for a weekend trip and forgot to adjust your thermostat? Not only can these things run up your monthly electric bill, but a stove left turned on can be dangerous.
  Smart technologies allow you to use voice commands to turn off lights, adjust the thermostat, and even switch off the stove. Some smart home technologies use sensors to switch off appliances when no one is using them, or you can put your systems on a timer to ensure you never forget again.

Integrating technology with independent senior living communities

Smart home technology has been hugely beneficial for CCRCs and assisted living communities. By harnessing the power of technology, residents are able to remain independent for longer, lead safer lives, and maintain better control of their environments.

Smart home technology can also be used by staff to alert them when there’s a possible fall or injury. This allows them to check on the resident as soon as possible and provide assistance if needed. In the past, when a senior fell, they often had to wait until someone found them, prolonging their discomfort and injuries. By utilizing smart technologies, CCRCs can ensure residents will remain as safe as possible in the event of an injury or a fall.

Our CCRC in Newton NJ, Bristol Glen has independent living apartments for the residents that utilize smart home technology. We encourage residents to maintain as much independence as possible, and our smart technology helps them do this while ensuring their apartments are safe, comfortable, and suited to their needs. Our residents love the ease and convenience of our “smart” apartments.

For more information about independent living at UMC at Bristol Glen, or any of our other communities in New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/contact/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/smart-home-technology-understanding-the-benefits-for-seniors/

5 Ways Older Adults Can Avoid Fall Hazards

Falls can be extremely dangerous for older adults, especially if they live alone, have existing injuries or limited mobility. While falls can happen anywhere, there are precautions you can take with your loved ones to ensure their homes and other surrounding areas are as safe as possible.

It’s important to understand that some older adults may be resistant to having a conversation about fall hazards. They may view it as an infringement on their independence and their ability to live alone.

So rather than forcing the issue, we recommend using the following talking points to start the conversation with your senior family member:

1. How is your vision and are your glasses or lenses up to date? As anyone who wears glasses or contact lenses knows, your vision can begin to get slightly blurry and can easily go unnoticed until the blurriness is significant. It’s important for all of us to have regular eye exams, especially older adults, because vision problems like nearsightedness, along with outdated glasses or contact lenses are common fall hazards.
2. How sturdy are your shoes and do they fit properly? Ill-fitting shoes and shoes with unsturdy soles can be fall hazards for older adults. Check-in with your older loved ones and ensure their shoes fit snugly, and that the soles have some type of traction on them. It may be worth investing in shoes with special anti-slip soles.
3. How well-trained are your pets? We all love our furry friends, but untrained dogs can easily run underfoot and cause a fall. Enrolling a pet in obedience school can go a long way toward safety. It’s also important that older adults are aware of where their pet is at all times. Tying a small bell to their collar is an easy way to maintain awareness.
4. What medications are you using and how do they make you feel? Some medications may cause side effects that can make anyone more susceptible to falling like lightheadedness, drowsiness, balance issues, and having to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Make note of how each medication makes your senior family member feel and ask their doctor if it’s possible to minimize unpleasant side effects.
5. Do you have any pain or soreness in your feet? It’s easy to focus on external factors like pets, shoes, and medications, but foot pain is a major fall hazard for seniors. A trusted podiatrist can recommend different measures for pain relief.

Safety in assisted living

When the risk of a fall becomes too great, it may be time for your senior family member to consider moving into an assisted living community. At UMC, we understand that many older adults resist the idea because they view themselves as capable and independent.

However, the preconceived notions they have about living in a nursing home are outdated and no longer true! At our senior community in Bristol Glen, residents retain their individuality, continue pursuing their hobbies and interests, and are encouraged to live independently, all within a safe and comfortable environment.

We have associates onsite around the clock to monitor medications, check in on our residents, and respond to any medical issues or emergencies. In a senior community setting, resident safety is the top priority.

For more information about UMC at Bristol Glen, or any of our other communities across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/contact

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-ways-older-adults-can-avoid-fall-hazards/

Christmas Gift Ideas: 4 Fitness and GPS Trackers for Seniors

 

With Christmas a little more than a month away, you’re undoubtedly busy handling a long to-do list and trying to find the perfect gifts for the seniors in your life. But where do you start? Fitness and GPS trackers make wonderful gifts for older adults, especially those with dementia. Sometimes, seniors who have certain cognitive conditions like dementia can temporarily feel confused, disoriented, or forget where they are. It’s common for them to wander off in search of a familiar place, or a place from their memories, even if it’s a memory from 30 years ago. 

GPS trackers and fitness trackers are an excellent way to keep older adults safe, prevent emergencies, and give their loved ones peace of mind. With that said, the team at United Methodist Communities has put together a list of some of the best tracking products on the market for seniors. 

1. Garmin fitness smartwatches. While these can be used to track certain fitness-related statistics like steps taken, sleep patterns and heart rate data, Garmin smartwatches also provide location tracking and enable communication via smartphones, making them ideal for seniors who are prone to wandering. Caregivers can easily monitor the location of those they’re looking after with the associated Garmin smartphone app. The Garmin smartwatch is also lightweight, stylish and comfortable on the wrist with many different color options available. 
2. Medical Guardian’s Freedom Guardian alert watch. Developed specifically for seniors, this device requires a monthly subscription and has many useful features for older adults: text-to-speech messaging, medication reminders, appointment reminders, GPS location tracking, and emergency SOS.
3. GPS SmartSole shoe inserts. These shoe inserts are comfortable, water-resistant and can easily be slipped into most footwear. They allow caregivers to track the wearer’s location  by receiving email or text alerts via an app, and the battery life is around two to three days. 
4. AngelSense GPS tracker. This tracker can fit seamlessly into a shirt or pants pocket. Caregivers can then use a smartphone app to access real-time data including GPS location, an “unknown place” alert, emergency alerts for first responders, and two-way voice tools that let the caregiver and the wearer communicate. 

Keeping Seniors safe at Bristol Glen 

Of course as a full service senior community serving those with dementia, UMC has even more sophisticated wander management and fall prevention systems. UMC at Bristol Glen and all our communities, embrace technology as a way to keep our seniors as healthy and safe as possible, and we’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that technology can have on older adults. Don’t believe the myth that seniors are reluctant to use technology. Our residents prove that myth wrong every day.

For older adults with dementia, advances in technology, including the fitness trackers and GPS trackers mentioned above, can enhance their quality of life, keep them safe, and enable their caregivers to provide better care. Fitness trackers and GPS trackers also allow seniors to retain their independent lifestyles because their caregivers can monitor them remotely, instead of needing to be physically present around the clock. Having an immediate connection to emergency services while using these devices is also very beneficial, because if the senior is alone and needs help, it’s critical that no time is lost when alerting first responders. 

For more information about United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen, or if you have any other questions about technology support, please contact UMC today. Discover why so many people in Sussex County, New Jersey choose us as their trusted community for themselves or their loved ones.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/christmas-gift-ideas-4-fitness-and-gps-trackers-for-seniors/

5 Great Gift Ideas for Grandparents’ Day!

 

Did you know that September 13 is National Grandparents’ Day? The relationship you have with your grandparents is very special and you certainly want to make this day special for them. As we deal with COVID-19 and follow health and safety protocols, you might need to get a bit more creative with your gift ideas. Current CDC guidance states that older adults are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19, so staying home when possible is still recommended. If you’re not able to spend the day with your grandparents you can still give them a thoughtful gift that they’ll love, and here are some ideas.

A customized photo album. Now that everything is digital, many of us don’t have printed photos anymore, but grandparents will love having a printed photo album full of family pictures and memories. You don’t even need a printer or any other supplies – there are many online stores where you simply upload your pictures, select certain customizable features for your photo book, and it’s printed and shipped directly to your grandparents.

A subscription to a coffee or tea club. If your grandparents love to start each day with a hot cup of coffee or tea there are several subscription clubs that mail different types of coffees or teas straight to your grandparents every month. This lets them try new things at their own convenience. Grandparents can be reluctant to try new brands, but coffee and tea subscription clubs make it simple.

An ancestry and genealogy kit. Most of us know a little bit about our family’s history, but today’s ancestry kits offer the chance to find out so much more. Your grandparents will love exploring your family’s background, building a family tree, and finding out more about where they came from. 

A cookbook with recipes you know they love. Perhaps it’s Italian or maybe it’s French. With older adults being advised to stay home, your grandparents can prepare their favorite dishes in the comfort of their own kitchen.

An IOU (I owe you) book. While it may not be possible to do things with your grandparents at the moment you can make a fun IOU book with activities you enjoy doing together like spending the day at the beach, trying a new restaurant, or seeing a movie. 

Connecting digitally with your grandparents

While we’re all advised to stay home when possible and minimize contact with others, you can still connect with your grandparents to celebrate Grandparents’ Day, it’ll just have to be digital communication for now. At UMC many of us have been using Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, and other similar tools to stay connected with loved ones. Even if your grandparents aren’t the most tech-savvy people, with a little support and guidance from you they’ll be sure to figure it out. 

Perhaps you can schedule a Skype call with them on Grandparents’ Day and if you didn’t have a chance to have any gifts sent directly to their house, you can share their gifts with them during the call and give them something to look forward to. You may want to schedule regular video chats with your grandparents to ease the strain of isolation – staying in regular communication can really help, especially when you can hear each other’s voices and see each other’s faces. It’s the next best thing to getting together in person.

For information about Bristol Glen, our Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Sussex County, New Jersey, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original Content posted on https://umcommunities.org/health-wellness/5-great-gift-ideas-for-grandparents-day/

3 Immunizations Recommended for Seniors

If there is anything that 2020 has shown the world, it’s how difficult it can be for seniors to fight off infections. As we age, our immune systems become weaker, which is why seniors are more likely to get not only COVID-19, but also diseases like flu, pneumonia, and shingles.

With National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) observed in August, and with the toll diseases continue to take on us, it is important to raise awareness about not only the importance of vaccines in preventing serious diseases, but also the correct immunizations that seniors need.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for 2020 one dose of Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13), one dose of Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), and the shingles vaccine is recommended for people age 65 and older to help protect them. Here is more information about each of these three vaccines:

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) for pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Pneumococcal disease is a serious disease that causes much sickness and death. During the 2018-2019 season, the CDC estimates 16.5 million people went to a health care provider for the flu and more than 34,000 people died in the U.S.

It is possible for a person to carry the disease in their throat and not be ill, or to be infected with the bacteria and show no symptoms. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Those carriers can still spread it, primarily in droplets from their nose or mouth when they breathe, cough, or sneeze. The Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13) vaccine prevents pneumococcal disease.

What is known about this immunization?

In 2014, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in series with 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for all adults age 65 years and older. A new report showed declines in pneumococcal disease among adults and children. The ACIP changed the recommendation for PCV13 use in adults after reviewing the evidence of its benefits.

They also recommend a routine single dose of PPSV23 for adults age 65 years and above. Shared clinical decision-making is recommended regarding administration of PCV13 to persons in this group who do not have an immunocompromising condition, cerebrospinal fluid leak, or cochlear implant and who have not previously received PCV13. If a senior’s medical professional and caretakers decide that PCV13 should be administered, then PCV13 should be administered first, followed by PPSV23 at least one year later.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

This vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections. This vaccine is recommended for adults under 65 if they have certain health conditions and for all adults over 65.

The ACIP recommends that all adults age 65 years and older routinely receive one dose of PPSV23. It contains 12 serotypes in common with PCV13 and an additional 11 serotypes for which there are no indirect effects from PCV13 use in children. The additional 11 serotypes account for 32%–37% of invasive pneumococcal disease among adults age 65 years and older. Adults age 65 years and older who received one or more doses of PPSV23 before age 65 years should receive one additional dose of PPSV23 at age 65 years or later, at least five years after the previous PPSV23 dose.

Shingles vaccine for people 50 years and older

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. This rash can appear anywhere on your skin but most commonly appears on the sides of the torso. Almost one out of every three people in America will develop shingles during their lifetime, which is why a shingles immunization is also recommended for healthy adults 50 years and older.

If you have not received the PV13, PPSV23 or shingles vaccine, talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional to find out which vaccines are appropriate for you.

Our CCRC Bristol Glen, in Sussex County, New Jersey, will continue to raise awareness during National Immunization Awareness Month. Do your part by asking yourself – and your loved ones – whether they are up-to-date with their immunizations. Contact UMC for more information about our CCRC in Sussex County, and our assisted living communities across New Jersey, today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/3-immunizations-recommended-for-seniors/

How to Help Care for a Senior with Type 2 Diabetes

March is American Diabetes Alert Month and National Kidney Month. So, the team at our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey, is sharing tips and advice for caregivers whose loved ones have type 2 diabetes and require long-term care.

Type 2 Diabetes and Seniors

A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is life-changing. Managing this condition means multiple lifestyle adjustments, from daily diet and exercise to medication and monitoring. For seniors, this health condition doesn’t just mean a greater workload for caregivers, but also comes with increased risks of heart attack, renal disease, ocular disease, stroke, and death.

For caregivers and older adults, managing this condition effectively takes additional dedication to those small, everyday choices made throughout care, as well as education, which empowers them to:

• Make better choices, 
• Understand what it takes to live with type 2 diabetes; and 
• Learn to communicate effectively to ensure taking rapid action in a crisis.

 

Checklist for Caregivers for Seniors with Type 2 Diabetes

First, it is important to evaluate your loved one on an individual level to see how well they are coping with managing their health condition. You can also identify and act on opportunities to provide additional support. 

For example, a fairly independent senior may be great at monitoring blood sugar levels and keeping records, so your role would be more oversight and emergency assistance. However, a senior with dementia or poor disease management skills may need much more comprehensive support. Here’s a general checklist for caring for someone with type 2 diabetes:

• Record – Keep a record of blood glucose readings, medicine schedules as well as any notable symptoms (dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, numbness, and the like).
• Exercise – Encourage gentle daily exercise for 30 minutes per day, as often as possible for general health, weight management, and stress management. (Walking, meditation, yoga, gentle stretching, gardening, water aerobics, and so on.)
• Grooming – Maintaining good oral health is essential. Teeth should be brushed twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, and regular dental checkups are needed to detect gum disease and other complications common to type 2 diabetes. Toenails should be kept neat and short to prevent ingrown toenails and infection; feet should be checked once a week for swelling.
• Bathing – Regular bathing is important. It also presents a good opportunity to check for swelling or sores. Dry off well after bathing and use a moisturizer recommended by your loved one’s doctor. Avoid moisturizing between the toes.
• Dressing – Pay special attention to the feet, looking for swelling or sores. Soft leather shoes with good grip are recommended, and shouldn’t be tied tightly.
• Eating – To keep blood glucose levels stable, develop an eating routine that you repeat each day, either three meals per day with healthy snacks in between or several small meals evenly placed throughout the day. Keep to the dietary plan recommended by your loved one’s doctor, and encourage lots of fluids including water, caffeine-free drinks, smoothies, and herbal tea.
  
  

Independent Senior Living at Our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey 

Bristol Glen is a CCRC based in Sussex County that aims to provide seniors with comfortable, serviced living arrangements for independent living. Our CCRC provides a full continuum, so you don’t need to leave the community if your health needs change. 

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

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-to-help-care-for-a-senior-with-type-2-diabetes/