5 DIY Holiday Decorations to Craft with Family

The holiday season is here! While the 2020 holiday season may not be like any other that we’ve experienced (festive face masks and Santa hand sanitizer, anyone?), there’s still plenty of fun to be had. We all deserve something a bit special this year, especially the seniors that are near and dear to us.

With that said, crafting unique Christmas decorations presents an opportunity to bond with the special older adults in your life (socially distant, of course). Here are some affordable holiday crafting ideas from our assisted living team in Sussex County, New Jersey.

DIY Project #1 – Cupcake Wrapper Garlands

Who doesn’t love cupcakes and Christmas trees? Cupcake wrappers are easy to find at almost every grocery store, and there are some festive options. Here’s what to do:

• Fold your cupcake wrapper in half, then fold in half again to make a triangle shape, keeping the frilly edge at the bottom.
• Repeat with two more cupcake wrappers.
• Stack them one on top of the other, arranging and overlapping them to make the shape of a Christmas tree. Glue each wrapper into place as you work up the tree.
• Glue on a small glittery star or snowflake from your local craft store to make the star on the top of the tree.
• Glue on some twine so that it can be attached to a Christmas tree. Or secure a bunch of cupcake trees onto a line of twine to create a garland for doorways and hallways.

DIY Project #2 – Candle Jars

Candles make any space feel cozy and special, especially when it’s cold and snowy outside. These candle jars are safe, decorative additions that are perfect for a window ledge, fireplace mantle or the Christmas table.

• Collect large mason jars and good-size candles (look for holiday-scented candles for an extra seasonal touch).
• Place small pebbles or beach sand at the base of the jar to help keep the candle stable.
• Place the candle inside the jar, nestled into the small pebbles or beach sand.
• Add cinnamon sticks or dried oranges for extra scent, keeping them around the base of the candle (well away from the flame).

DIY Project #3 – A Festive Table Garland

This is a fun project you can do well in advance of Christmas dinner – and is also an opportunity to go outside for some fresh air.

• Visit your favorite outdoor spots with the kids and grandparents a few days or even a week before Christmas. If you plan on visiting a public tree farm, please call ahead to see if they’re operating under new COVID-19 procedures. 
• Gather pine cones, soft, green pine boughs, holly, and mistletoe.
• Pick the cleanest pinecones to paint in gold, silver or white and keep the rest for the fireplace or to make homemade bird feeders at a later time.
• Get some cheap material to make oversized fabric bows (red and white gingham is a festive option).
• Assemble your table wreath down the center of the table, then mix together the greenery, painted pinecones, bows, and berries to create a natural-looking holiday centerpiece.

The scent from this craft will fill the home for the whole week, and will continue to look fresh for Christmas day.

DIY Project #4 – Christmas Ribbon Ornaments

This is an easy project tailored to young children, and also a great opportunity for them to spend time crafting with their grandparents (even if it’s done virtually).

• Get ribbons from your local craft store. Look for the ones that are already assembled into those traditional, star-shaped gift bows. You can match the colors to your holiday décor for the season.
• Get some Styrofoam balls that are the same size as your other Christmas tree ornaments.
• Glue the ribbons to the Styrofoam balls to cover the entire surface, mixing and matching colors as you go. 
• Tie a piece of twine around the ball and it’s ready to hang on the tree!

DIY Project #5 – Salt Dough Ornaments

Kids love to make classic, affordable salt dough decorations! They are an ideal way to keep everyone busy and let those creative minds fly free. It’s easy to prepare, non-toxic and safe for younger children, too.

• Make your salt dough by mixing 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of water. Mix until it’s properly combined and feels like Play-Doh. 
• Form a ball of dough and knead for 5 minutes, then roll it out to about a ¼ thickness.
• Get a range of festive cookie cutters from your local store and cut out shapes.
• Bake at 200 degrees until the dough is dry and hardened.
• Then decorate them with paint and press-on rhinestones. 
• Once dry, hang them up with twine on your Christmas tree.

With these fun projects to inspire you, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, gather supplies, and get your closest loved ones together to make this season as joyful as possible.

At UMC at Bristol Glen, we’re committed to making this holiday season special for our residents and their families. If you’d like to find out what we’re doing for the holidays or to see if we’re the right assisted living option in Sussex County, New Jersey, for your loved one, contact us today at: http://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/contact

Originally posted: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/blog/5-diy-holiday-decorations/

5 Effective Exercises to Do from Your Wheelchair

One of the greatest challenges we face as we grow older is maintaining mobility — and for seniors in wheelchairs, this is even more important. Exercise is a great way to maintain health, prevent injuries and increase stamina.


Here are some useful strength-building exercises from our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey that are easy to do in a wheelchair and go a long way towards helping seniors stay active and mobile:

1. Shoulder retractions. Sit up straight and tense your ab muscles to support your back. Hold your arms at 90-degrees in front of you at shoulder level, hands facing the ground. Curve your fingers as if you are gripping something. Push your arms straight out and then bring your arms in by bending your elbows (maintaining shoulder level height) and bringing your fists towards your shoulders.

You’ll feel your shoulder blades and muscles squeezing. Repeat the action and add a resistance band between your hand when you are ready for a stronger exercise.

1. Chest squeeze. Sit up straight with your and muscles engaged and hold a medicine ball or therapy ball at chest level. Squeeze the ball to contract your chest muscles, pushing the ball forward at the same time until your arms are nearly fully extended, then bring it back towards your chest. Repeat the action and add a more resistant ball when you are ready for a stronger exercise.
2. Top taps. Sit up straight with your ab muscles engaged and your feet flat on the ground. Lift your toes upwards as far as you can and then back to the floor and repeat.
3. Tummy twist. Sit up straight with your ab muscles engaged and your feet flat on the ground, holding your arms out at 90-degrees with your forearms extended and your elbows by your side. Rotate your upper torso slowly to the left as far as you can go and then repeat to the right.
4. Knee lifts. With your feet flat on the floor, sit upright in the chair and engage your ab muscles. Slowly lift your right knee up towards your chest as far as you can comfortably manage, then lower it back to the starting position. Repeat with your left knee.

A Welcoming Community Spirit at Our CCRC in Sussex County, NJ

Bristol Glen is a CCRC and assisted living community based in Sussex County that aims to provide seniors with comfortable, serviced living arrangements that free up your time to enjoy life. Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living facilities, amenities and services, please visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/ and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-effective-exercises-to-do-from-your-wheelchair/

When is the Right Time to Move into a CCRC?

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

What is a CCRC all about?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for Assisted Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Start the Talk About Assisted Living

Assisted living falls among the  conversations dreaded by parents and their children alike. Starting the conversation about these types of long-term plans, even when they come from good intentions, can be stressful and overwhelming for everyone involved. Here are some tips from our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ, for making it a positive and constructive conversation:

• Don’t wait until for a crisis. For many of us, it’s easier to ignore this issue while our parents are healthy and independent, but this can mean trouble when serious issues do arise. Instead, keep it a casual but meaningful ongoing conversation in which everyone is involved — especially your parents — and there are no urgent and serious decisions to be made.
  Sit down with your parents at home on a quiet day.While acknowledging that this isn’t an easy topic to talk about, it’s important to you that they are cared for properly. Ask them what they envision for themselves and start planning so that you and your family can work together to achieve it.
• Be honest. Many families have trouble communicating their fears and concerns, and parents often feel uncomfortable talking about their loss of independence making them a burden on their families. By bringing up the subject in a non-confrontational way, you may be surprised at their response.
  Talking honestly will also help you get a better idea of how they are really coping — if managing the house is becoming too difficult, looking after a spouse too demanding, or if they are becoming lonely or isolated as friends move into away, for example. This will better help you find an option that offers the right level of support.
• Don’t gang up and let the issue escalate. As a potentially very emotional and stressful conversation, it’s important it doesn’t escalate into an argument. Use a calm, relaxed tone of voice. Listen to what your parent or parents want, rather than giving ultimatums or talking over them. Highlight the positives of each option, whether the communities you’re suggesting  have a lively social spirit; have lovely, maintenance–free living options; or are close to friends, family and loved ones, for example.
• Don’t put on the pressure. One of the biggest barriers to entering assisted living is that many people don’t really know what modern senior communities   offer. This fear of the unknown mixes with fear of losing independence, making many people actively dismiss an potentially beneficial option. Take your time to look at recommended assisted living communities and places where family friends may reside, and do your research online. Then, visit these communities and see for yourself what would suit your parents. This will give the peace-of-mind you need to properly communicate the choices to your parents, and help convince them to come along for their own tour.

Assisted living community in NJ for independent seniors 

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

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

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/start-talk-assisted-living/

5 tips for boosting senior nutrition

Good, healthy nutrition is essential at any age, but it’s often overlooked in senior health. Eating well is as much about improving mental acuteness, energy and resistance to illness as it is about supporting a positive attitude and emotional stability. So how can seniors support good eating habits?

1. A good diet isn’t about sacrifice: When many of us hear the word “diet,” our minds go to a place that’s all about denial, bland food and weight loss. While a good diet does help you achieve a healthy weight, it doesn’t mean eating foods you hate. It means using fresh, wholesome ingredients to create tasty food that provides essential nutrients and vitamins as well as flavor.
2. Include calcium, protein and Vitamin D: These are some of the most important nutrients for seniors, as they actively support the body against age-related illnesses like osteoporosis, blood pressure complications, muscle loss and infections.
3. Stay hydrated: While water isn’t nutritional in itself, it plays a vital role in our daily health. Seniors are especially vulnerable to dehydration as a result of certain medications, general decrease in fluid intake and increased effects of heat. Dehydration is a serious issue that can result in confusion, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation, severe blood pressure changes and changes to blood sugar levels, so at least one glass of water per meal should be consumed, as well as one in between meals. Remember that tea, coffee, vegetables, smoothies, and certain meals like soups and stews, also contribute towards hydration.
4. Swap your fats: Certain fats are essential to our health, while others can be damaging, so it’s important to include the healthy options and reduce the harmful ones. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats and replace them with mono-saturated and poly-saturated fats, as these increase good cholesterol as well as protect against heart disease. Good foods to include are avocados, eggs, salmon, tuna, canola oil, almonds, and tofu.
5. Swap big meals for regular small meals: As we age, we often find that our appetites diminish, which makes it more difficult to get the nutrition our bodies need. Rather than sitting down to three big meals a day, choose six smaller meals with a wider variety of foods to snack on throughout the day. Smoothies with yogurt and fresh fruit are a great option that includes essential nutrients and proteins.

Enjoy life and independence at our CCRC in Sussex County, NJ 

Bristol Glen, a continuing care retirement community in Sussex County, New Jersey that offers seniors independence, comfort and a vibrant social life along with high quality care is part ofUnited Methodist Communities.

With a personalized and customized set of services, seniors are able to fully access the level of care they require, when they require it. We are also fully equipped and able to assist Alzheimer’s and dementia patients through our memory care and support services.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-tips-boosting-senior-nutrition/

What ‘faith-based service’ means in our continuing care retirement community

Bristol Glen, a high quality continuing care retirement community in Sussex County, is part of the United Methodist Communities’ (UMC) network. Providing faith-based senior and assisted living services that value compassion, respect, stewardship and promote independence, we have been in operation for over 109 years. But what does this mean?

We were founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Pennsylvania
After 630,000 men, many of them Methodist, were killed in the Civil War in the 19th century, a home for widows was established in Philadelphia, now called Simpson House, which still exists to this day. This would become the first stepping stone to United Methodist Communities. Following the success of this charitable movement, a home for the aged was also founded – establishing what would become UMC.

To this day, these roots are present in our communities and network-at-large, founded on compassionately serving in the community so that all are free to choose abundant life. With 1,400 residents, over 1,000 employees and 109 years of senior care, we’re proud to adhere to our tagline of achieving “Abundant Life for Seniors.”

Do I have to be United Methodist to qualify?
Although we are a United Methodist network, we do not require our residents to be United Methodist themselves. While we offer spiritual support and programs, they are purely for residents who are interested in participating. We encourage our residents to be involved in all aspects of life in our communities, but only to the degree to which they are able and comfortable to do so.

Services offered at UMC at Bristol Glen in Sussex County, NJ
Bristol Glen is known as a “full service community,” as it offers the widest range of services through the UMC network. This includes the following services:

• Continuing care retirement communities
• Independent living communities
• Assisted living
• Long-term care
• Memory care and support
• Rehabilitation
• Respite care
• Hospice and palliative care

Continuing care retirement community and assisted living in Sussex County, NJ 
United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen is a continuing care retirement community that caters to seniors of all ages and support requirements. Our services are completely customized to your individual needs and range from basic daily assistance all the way to end-of-life care. Our educated and dedicated staff pride themselves on the quality and compassionate nature of their care, ensuring that residents enjoy a high quality of independent life for as long as possible.

This content was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/faith-based-service-means-continuing-care-retirement-community.

What are your senior housing options?

When looking for senior housing for yourself or a loved one, you’re going to find a wide selection of options for every budget and need. United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen, a continuing care retirement community in Sussex County, New Jersey, offers the a wide range of  options – allowing residents to stay independent and active. We ensure that all the hassle of owning a home is taken on by us. Here’s how we do it:

• Apartment-style living: Spacious and well-appointed, our apartment homes make living easy, convenient and comfortable. Designed for easy maintenance with beautiful views, they allow our associates to assist residents easily and quickly – no matter the weather or time of day.
• Dedicated residential buildings: The community consists of three different residential buildings, each customized to meet a specific level of care. This enables quick and efficient services and encourages residents to socialize easily. Although separate, these building are connected, both through their beautiful natural setting and a calendar of social events.
• Wide range of floor plans: Our apartment homes are as unique as our residents. There are different floor plans in each residential building, and you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and budget, based on availability. The different options include a custom two-bedroom, 1489 square feet apartment and large one-bedroom, 844 square feet apartment, as well as smaller corner units of 699 square feet.
• Beautifully appointed communal areas: In addition to spacious apartments, comfortable communal areas encourage relaxation and socialization. These include a dining area, library, activity center, wellness center, town hall, and more. In addition, the extensive and well maintained grounds cover a massive 74 acres consisting of woods, meadows, flower gardens, porches, vegetable gardens, patios and walking paths.
• Aging in place: We believe in aging in place, a less restrictive caregiving model that aims to keep residents in an apartment for as long as it is safe.  Our apartments, designed to support this and our healthcare strategy, ensure that residents can access any of their required healthcare services onsite, including assisted living, Memory Support, short term rehabilitation and hospice care.

Independent senior living and assisted living in Sussex County, NJ 
United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen is a continuing care retirement community that caters to seniors of all ages and support requirements. Our services are completely customized to your individual needs and range from basic daily assistance all the way to end-of-life care. Our educated and dedicated staff pride themselves on the quality and compassionate nature of their care, ensuring that residents enjoy a high quality of independent life for as long as possible.
To find out more about our individualized assisted living services and our senior living community, please contact us today or visit https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org.

This content was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/senior-housing-options/

Getting to know associate roles at a senior living facility

The team of associates at a senior living community is generally determined by the size of the community as well as the scope of its services and the levels of care they provide. Here’s a general guide from senior and assisted living providers in New Jersey.

• Administrator and administrative staff: This team oversees the day-to-day management of the facility and coordinates other departments.
• Sales and Admissions staff: These staff members work with residential applicants and their families, explaining the application process, touring, answering any questions and providing general assistance.
• Medical Director: The person in this role focuses on the facility’s healthcare strategy, ensuring that the right resources go to the correct departments and ensuring that different medical, healthcare and therapy teams work together to deliver the highest level of healthcare for the residents.
• Nursing Director and staff: This role oversees all nursing personnel, coordinating schedules, ensuring that 24-hour nursing care is available for emergency care as well as residents requiring rehabilitation, short-term care or hospice and palliative care (if the facility provides these services).
• Housekeeping Coordinator and staff: These associates take care of the resident’s many daily cleaning and housekeeping tasks, including general cleaning and laundry.
• Maintenance staff: This team’s duties range from cleaning the facilities and managing general waste removal to taking care of any handyman tasks for residents as well as overseeing outdoor maintenance.
• Dining coordinator and staff: This team plans, manages and prepares meals for residents, both in the facility dining room as well as the bistros, and long term care residences.
• Volunteers: Volunteers play an important role in senior living communities, providing essential assistance to associates, companionship to residents and compassion to all. Volunteers offer their skills in many different capacities, from hosting entertaining craft classes, giving lectures, leading a group, singing, playing musical instruments to playing games with the residents and much more.

Comfortable independent senior and assisted living in New Jersey
United Methodist Communities serves the state of New Jersey. Our services range from independent living through to assisted living, respite care, short-term rehabilitation and hospice and palliative care, we are able to offer our residents dignified, comfortable and enjoyable senior years.
Our services are fully scalable, ensuring that our residents receive assistance when and where they require it at each stage of their lives. Our dedicated and experienced associates are passionate about giving our residents the highest level of care available.

To find out more about our individualized assisted living services and our senior living communities, please contact us today and organize a visit.

This content was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/getting-know-associate-roles-senior-living-facility/. 

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that can affect anyone with diabetes, especially as they age. Here is some important insight from senior living specialists in Camden County.

What causes diabetic neuropathy? 

High blood sugar interferes with how the nerves communicate with one another and, over time, this can cause the nerve fibers to become damaged. In addition, high blood sugar weakens the blood capillaries that supply oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. Genetic factors, nerve inflammation, smoking and alcohol abuse can also contribute.

What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy? 

There are four types of this condition, each with different symptoms.

Peripheral neuropathy, the most common version, affects the feet, legs, arms and hands. Symptoms in the affected extremities include numbness, reduced response to pain or temperature, sharp pain, cramps, muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to touch, loss of balance, and foot conditions (bone and joint pain, ulcers infections, etc.)

Autonomic Neuropathy can affect the eyes, sex organs, bladder, heart, lungs, and digestive system. Symptoms include constipation, bladder problems, diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, increased/decreased sweating, vision trouble when adjusting from light to dark, and sharp drops in blood pressure.

Radiculoplexus neuropathy affects the thighs, buttocks, hips and legs. Symptoms include sudden/severe pain, muscle weakness, abdominal swelling, difficulty getting up from a sitting position, and weight loss.

Mononeuropathyinvolves a specific nerve, often in the eye, face or leg. Symptoms will be limited to the area affected, for example, difficulty focusing your eyes, pain in the front of your thigh, paralysis on one side of your face, etc. Although often painful, it usually doesn’t cause long-term damage.

Treatment for diabetic neuropathy 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, so prevention is key. Treatments may include pain relief and therapies to manage complications or restore lost function, however, it is vital to:

• Keep blood sugar levels within the recommended target range
• Keep blood pressure within the recommended target range
• Give up smoking and alcohol (or drink in moderation)
• Commit to a recommended diet and fitness regime
• Follow your doctor’s recommendation for foot care
• Have regular checkups, especially if you notice any of the listed symptoms

Assisted Living in Camden County, NJ 

United Methodist Communities at Collingswood offers quality assisted living n a welcoming and friendly community. With nurses available at all times, we pride ourselves on care at the level you need when you need it. In addition to our assisted living, we also offer long-term care.To find out more about United Methodist Communities at Collingswood, please contact us today and visit us for a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/what-is-diabetic-neuropathy/

How to choose the right nursing home

For many families, choosing a nursing home is a challenging and emotional task – and with the rising costs of long-term care it is critical to find a facility that is affordable and puts your loved one’s wellbeing first. Here is some advice for finding the right nursing home.

• Make a budget: The services offered and cost of assisted living and nursing home care varies widely between facilities. Drafting a budget will help determine what facilities should be considered. Don’t forget to research different types of government assistance that may help you afford the facility you prefer.
• Services required: Nursing homes offer a wide range of services that your loved one may or may not need. Deciding on a general list of essential services will help you narrow down your choice of facility. For example, if your loved one has dementia or the beginnings of dementia, then facilities that offer Alzheimer’s and memory care and support services will be able to care for your loved one properly.
• Health and safety: The nursing home must comply with strict health and safety regulations but it shouldn’t stop there. Standards should apply to the general wellbeing of their residents. For example, removing or repairing frayed carpets that present a tripping hazard, having sufficient lighting to prevent falls and utilizing a layout that is easy to navigate with walkers and wheelchairs.
• Quality staff: There should be sufficient staff to manage the number of residents in the nursing home; housekeepers, food service, activities to run events, 24-hour nursing, and security staff. The property should be in good repair and supported to high standards by maintenance and grounds staff.

Our Continuing Care Retirement Communities are designed with safety in mind 

At United Methodist Homes (UMH) of New Jersey, we offer all our residents comfortable accommodations that are designed to meet the highest senior safety standards. Complete with 24-hour emergency alert and fire safety systems, accommodations are well lit and easily navigable with a walker or in a wheelchair. We offer housekeeping, interior maintenance meal services, and 24-hour access to a licensed nurse for additional care and peace-of-mind.

For more information on our long-term and nursing home communities in Camden County, Sussex County, Gloucester County and Cape May County in New Jersey, please contact us today or visit www.pitman.umcommunities.org.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-nursing-home/

What customized care means at United Methodist Homes of NJ

At UMH, we often talk to our residents and their families as well as the community-at-large about providing customized long-term care. What does this really involve and how does it benefit our residents? All of our residents have varying levels of need, which explains why they selected the individualized care and support found at all UMH full-service communities. We offer residents a broad set of living solutions, including:

• Independent senior living in our continuing care retirement community Bristol Glen: This is ideal for retirees and seniors who would like to continue living an independent lifestyle but still have access to assisted living services and skilled nursing (if needed). This level of care is about keeping an upscale, high quality of life without having to manage arduous tasks such as home maintenance, housekeeping and daily transportation.
• Assisted living: This level of care is aimed at seniors who require more assistance in their daily lives regarding day-to-day tasks and medical support in addition to standard residential living services. This can include assistance with meals, mobility, personal care, health monitoring and daily reminders, as well as handyman and housekeeping services. An active social life and independence are still encouraged, as caregivers are able to support and assist in all tasks.
• Nursing home care and long-term care: This highest level of care is managed through skilled nursing, certified aides and therapists 24 hours a day. These services are designed to assist residents with complex and serious medical conditions that cannot be managed in a residential setting, including wound dressing, breathing rehabilitation, tube feeding and more. Nursing home care and long-term care is available as a permanent or temporary service as the resident requires.
• Short-term rehab: These services include speech, occupational and physical therapy programs designed to improve quality of life and wellness for seniors with a wide range of conditions. Through our rehab program, we are able to treat and improve wound healing, pain management, joint replacement, CVA stroke recovery, urinary incontinence, arthritis and much more.
• Respite: We offer nursing and rehabilitation assistance both during an illness and after a hospital visit. Respite care also provides peace of mind for caregivers looking for a safe, secure environment for their loved ones while taking a vacation, requiring time off for a specific purpose, or just desiring a much-needed break.
• Hospice:  Our hospice services are designed to give residents and their families the highest level of comfort, compassion and support through an experienced multidisciplinary team of specialists. Our aim to take care all medical, social, emotional, spiritual and other unique needs that often accompany this time, promoting dignity and serenity for residents as well as their loved ones.

Scalable senior care for every stage of life

Whatever care level best suits you or your loved one, we are able to further tailor our services to meet your exact needs – now and in the future. All our services are scalable, enabling residents to stay in their communities as long as they are able and receive the right level of care and support as and when they require it. For us, customizable services means getting the exact support our residents need to live full and dignified lives.

To find out more about our senior retirement communities and assisted living services, please contact us today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally published at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/what-customized-care-means-at-united-methodist-homes-of-nj/

What to do when being a caregiver becomes too much

When your parents first start showing signs that they need support managing their day-to-day lives, family members sometimes choose to help out – becoming knowledgeable and competent caregivers. However, there often comes a point at which you can no longer keep up with the duties of a full-time caregiver, especially when managing your own family and career.

One of the best ways to ensure the quality of care your loved one receives is uncompromised, is to make the move to an assisted living community. While this is a difficult choice, it can be made easier by finding an assisted living community  which offers the following:

• Tailored care: It’s important the community takes a close look at the individual needs of each resident in order to build a support program that provides the proper level of assistance. These services should also change as your loved one’s needs change, ensuring that his or her quality of life remains as high as possible and that they don’t need to be moved to another community at a later stage.
• Independence: A community which encourages and supports the independence of its residents is important. This is key to mental and physical health as well as having an enjoyable and fulfilling lifestyle. Many communities offer a calendar of events throughout the year in addition to shows, music presentations, book clubs, gardening clubs, church services, and much more.
• Apartment living: The community you choose should offer open-plan, apartment-style living that is adapted to the needs of the residents, with everything from grab bars in the bathroom to 24-hour medical alert and smoke alarms. The rooms should be free of tripping hazards, easy to navigate with a wheelchair, fully serviced and properly maintained by the staff.
• Advanced care: It’s important to know the community you choose can handle any future requirements your loved one may have. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia support as well as memory care services are essential, as is 24-hour access to a licensed nurse. It’s also a good idea to find a community that offers rehabilitation and therapy services as well as wellness activities.

Visit our beautiful assisted living facilities in New Jersey today 

United Methodist Homes of New Jersey is a senior living organization dedicated to helping older adults to live full, happy lives. With an active community spirit, great amenities, spacious residential apartments, expert medical care, and tailored support services designed for independent living, we’re a welcoming space for seniors to really feel at home. All our support services are scalable, allowing your loved one to continue living as independently as possible even as his or her needs change. We are also able to provide care for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents.

For more information, please contact UMH Bristol Glen today and ask about our continuing care retirement community.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/what-to-do-when-being-a-caregiver-becomes-too-much/