5 Fall Activities for Seniors and Their Families

 

Fall is arguably the best season in New Jersey, and thanks to the cooler weather and beautiful scenery, it’s a favorite for seniors and families too! Here are some great fall activities to enjoy, from our independent senior living community in Sussex County.

#1 – Apple Picking

Getting outdoors is great for seniors, and apple picking is a perfect opportunity for the whole family to explore and enjoy nature together. Visit local farms in your area to pick your own delicious apples (we love Windy Brow Farms, Hillcrest Orchard and Dairy, Beemerville Orchard, and Pennings Orchard), and be sure to take time to enjoy fall farm activities, deli treats, and markets. Just remember to save some apples for jams, pies, and desserts!

#2 – Fall Foliage Trips

The fall colors are usually their best at the beginning of October, so pack a picnic and take a day trip to see the scenery! UMC at Bristol Glen is conveniently located near some of the best places to visit for leaf peeping, including High Point State Park, Kittatinny Valley State Park, Swartswood State Park, and Hopatcong State Park. Remember to pack a camera for some lovely family photos too!

#3 – The Corn Maze Train

Sussex County is filled with railroad heritage and beautiful rolling farmlands – and the Corn Maze Train is the best way to enjoy both! Currently running now until October 27^th, it’s a wonderful experience for seniors and families. You’ll ride to the scenic century-old Snyder Farm, which has a pretty picnic space and maze games for both the youngsters and young-at-heart to enjoy.

#4 – The Honey and Garlic Festival

For a tasty fall treat, visit the Annual Sussex County Harvest Honey and Garlic Festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on October 9^th. It’s a family and senior-friendly event all about local heritage and agricultural tourism, filled with area vendors, crafters, and artists showing their wares.

#5 – Fall Crafting

For less mobile seniors or days indoors, you can create a fun crafting experience for the whole family! Learn to make leaf garlands, make clove-studded orange pomanders, or learn how to knit cozy winter scarves. It’s also a great time to bring out a puzzle you can all make together or bake delicious fall treats like pumpkin sugar cookies. Another fun activity is to plant a small indoor garden together using indoor plants and pretty planters. We love planters filled with fragrant herbs or flowering succulents on a sunny windowsill, and they add a much-needed touch of greenery and color through the winter months ahead.

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! With well-appointed apartment-style living set in beautiful natural surroundings, a fine dining communal space, and a social calendar filled with hobby clubs, guest speakers, and community events, we’re proud of the life we help create for our seniors!

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

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/5-fall-activities-for-seniors-and-their-families/

A Brief History of Newton, New Jersey

 

Bristol Glen is continuing care retirement community offering older adults independent senior living, assisted living, memory care, and more just minutes from vibrant downtown Newton, NJ. Many people don’t realize what a rich history our town has, with a vibrant mix of cultures, businesses, shops, and entertainment. Despite being a smaller town, it gives you everything you’d want in life without the traffic and hustle that comes with living near a big city. Here’s a little bit of Newton’s history and what makes it the perfect balance between small-town hospitality and city living.

Introducing Newton, NJ!

Just 60 miles from New York City lies Newton, NJ, sitting at the source of the Paulinskill river in the Kittatinny Valley. The town lies on a gentle slope near the base of the Grate Slate Mountain with views towards the Big Spring, Paulinskill meadows, and Blue Mountains.

The history of the area dates back long before the town’s incorporation in 1864, with clay shards and neolithic tools dating back several thousand years. These have been attributed to the original inhabitants – the Tockhockonetcong, likely a Lenne Lenape tribe – who have since vanished.

During the revolution, this small town grew dramatically.  Thanks to its position as a hub where turnpikes and post roads met, Newton became a regional center for banks, newspapers, mail, freight, commerce, and education. This growth was accelerated by the completion of the Sussex Railroad in 1854, which brought in hotels, brick emporiums, and premier locations for trade and commerce. The town’s expansion also drove architectural advancements in the area, and today we can still see incredible craftsmanship in the killed masonry, decorative scrollwork, and turned balustrades in existing Historic Newton structures, such as neoclassical homes and commercial buildings. Some of our most beautiful buildings include the Victorian Merriam Casa Bella, Christ Episcopal Church, Sussex County Courthouse, Cortelyou House, Newton Firehouse Museum, and The Newton Academy.

Despite being in a county that boasted more cows than people between 1850 and 1950, Newton became a town beloved by newly returned veterans, young couples, and families looking for a nurturing and safe place to live.

Newton attractions – Why we love our big, little town

Today, Newton is a thriving town with diverse cultures, industries, and amenities set in beautiful natural splendour. With such a vibrant mix of people who reside in the area, Newton can’t help but be a town where everyone enjoys the sunny weather, somewhat warmer New Jersey winters, and beautiful autumn colors.

There is a ton to see and do in Newton, NJ, including:

• Museums, art galleries, and libraries – Such as the Newton Fire Museum, Sussex County arts and heritage gallery, and Dennis Library.
• Theater – The Newton Theatre and Drama Geek Studios offer classes, workshops, and performances throughout the year.
• Religious gatherings – Hosted in the several Christian churches in town, as well as Jewish synagogues.
• Sports – Get out and support our local sports clubs and teams, including the Newton Braves football club, Sussex County Miners baseball club, and our beloved high school teams.
• Nature – Breathe in plenty of fresh air when you visit our lovely parks, including Memory Park and Pine Street Park, the nearby Kittatinny Valley State Park, Hillside Park, and Swartswood State Park.

Bristol Glen – Abundant senior living in Newton, NJ

Are you interested in senior living near Newton, NJ? Bristol Glen is one of the leading long-term care communities in Sussex County, located right near the action of Newton, NJ. Our community space is designed to be beautiful and spacious, as well as making the town of Newton easily accessible to our residents. We offer a welcoming space for seniors who need additional care, as well as specialized memory care services. Our skilled nursing team is compassionate, experienced, and ready to assist with dementia support for seniors, as well as managing strokes, diabetes, and other complex medical conditions.

For more information on Bristol Glen and how we are different from other long-term care communities in Sussex County NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at:

https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/a-brief-history-of-newton-new-jersey/

The Perks of Living in a Senior Community

When it comes to moving into assisted living, it’s normal for seniors to worry about leaving their old life and home behind. It’s a big decision to make, and one that shouldn’t be made lightly. But when older adults see the perks of senior living communities, especially ones that provide hotel-like amenities and fun activities, they often wonder why it took them so long to make the move! Here’s some insight from the United Methodist Communities team on how much they have to look forward to when moving into our senior living community in Sussex County.

It’s not like the old days!

Senior living has come a long way in the last couple of decades. Most people can’t believe how different it is from what they’d imagined. Far from a cold and impersonal facility, Bristol Glen is designed with one thing in mind – to give seniors a full, abundant, and independent life. Here’s what our residents love about living here.

• Beautiful grounds – We’re set in 74 acres of rustic landscape where gardening teams maintain the formal garden areas, there are plenty of pathways to explore, and seniors can relax to the sights and sounds of the countryside. Our grounds are a wonderful space for a peaceful walk, reading a book, or joining in on outdoor activities and social events.

• Spacious apartments – For the majority of our residents, we offer spacious, apartment-style living. There are no shared rooms unless it is required and there are both 1 and 2-bed apartments for spouses and singles. Every apartment is designed to be open, sunny, and inviting, with their own kitchen space should you want to cook for yourself.

• Aging in place – We bring services to our residents rather than moving people based on their care needs, which means everyone gets to stay in their own home as long as possible. This creates a wonderful sense of stability and security, where no one needs to worry about leaving their home for nursing home because our community provides varying levels of care under one roof.

• Independent living – We believe in living life to the fullest and helping seniors to do that too. Our services are scalable, ensuring you don’t have to use any service you don’t want, and our team is focused on respecting our resident’s preferences and routines.

• Easy access to care – At the same time, every care service is right there if you need it. If you have to go into the hospital for an operation, our team will be there when you get home to help you heal and recover. If you or your spouse has a fall, you fall ill, or you have concerns about dementia or other health conditions, we’re there to provide immediate medical help. If you need a doctor or specialist, we’ll organize your appointment and get you there on time.

• Lively social events – Moving to a senior living community should feel like a new, exciting chapter in your life. A chance to meet new people, make friends and indulge in your hobbies. Our social calendar means that life never gets dull – and you’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you like. From book and games clubs to dancing, fitness classes, educational talks, and seasonal events, we work hard to make our community a fun, lively, and enriching space to be.

Come and visit us at Bristol Glen and see the best of senior living

Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Communities 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 independent senior living community 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 and their well-being!

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

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/the-perks-of-living-in-a-senior-community/

The Weather is Warming Up, It’s Time to Get Back Outside

After what seems like a long, cold winter, the weather is finally warming up and the daylight hours are getting longer! The warmer temperatures mean it’s the perfect time to get back outside and enjoy the early spring and the health benefits of being active and in touch with nature. Here are three great ways for senior to enjoy the fresh air this spring:

1. Go for a walk around the neighborhood

Walking around your neighborhood is a great way to get some gentle exercise, fresh air, and see what’s changed through the winter months. Start with short walks and then increase the distance as you get your stamina back. Remember to wear shoes with good grip, lightweight long sleeve shirts, a light jacket, and a sun hat. Take your time and notice the beautiful spring growth, animal life, and the flowers that will be blooming soon. You can even ask a family member or friend to join you!

2. Sit outside for a meal

Eating outdoors is one of the things we miss the most during cold months, and the return of warmer weather is a lovely excuse to enjoy the fresh air while enjoying a meal of your choice. Take the time to create a lovely spring ritual, such as sitting outside with a book while you have your morning coffee or relaxing outside and listening to the radio  while you have lunch. We recommend creating a special spot outside with a café table and chairs, a lovely firm cushion, planters, and a warm blanket for days that are still quite crisp.

3. Sit outside, or by an open window and watch the birds. Bonus points if there is a bird feeder or bird house nearby!

One of the first and most wonderful signs of spring is the return of migratory birds and the birdlife that appears as nesting season begins. Grab a pair of binoculars, a bird book, and a warm blanket and either sit outside or at an open window to enjoy the sight and sound of new life. One great idea is to install a bird feeder near your favorite spot and stock it up with native bird seed. Your local birdlife will quickly discover it and return each day to visit you and stock up on food for their little ones. It’s best to have a bird book handy to identify each visitor and a notebook so you can track your sightings.

Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Communities network, a collection of independent and assisted living communities in New Jersey dedicated to supporting abundant, independent living for seniors. A very important part of our community is our wonderful grounds that are well-tended throughout the year, making a visit to see us one of the best ways to get fresh air and enjoy the spring weather.

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 and their wellbeing!

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

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/the-weather-is-warming-up-its-time-to-get-back-outside/

5 Easy Easter Crafts for Seniors to do with their Grandchildren

Crafts are a great way to stay busy and let out your creative side, and Easter is a great excuse to make some crafts with the grandchildren that can double as decor! Below we have five easy Easter decor crafts anyone can make with simple supplies. They’re perfect for spending quality time together, bonding with grandkids, and having fun.

1. Sock bunny

There’s nothing cuter than a sock bunny, and this one makes the perfect Easter Bunny for your grandkids to enjoy! All you need is a small sock (great use for those inexplicable single socks that appear in every cupboard!), felt, a large pompom for that bunny tail, moveable “googly” eyes, ribbon, and a rubber band. If you like, you can create a whole sock bunny family of different sizes and shapes, use socks in Easter pastel colors, or keep them rustic so they look just like real rabbits.

2. Salt dough Easter Eggs

Easy to make whether you are 8 or 80, salt dough decorations are non-toxic, family-friendly, and perfect for the Easter holidays. You’ll need a batch of salt dough (easily made by mixing a cup of flour with ½ a cup of salt and ½ a cup of water), a rolling pin, an egg-shaped cookie cutter, spray or acrylic paints and paintbrushes, a straw, twine or ribbon, and access to an oven. The great thing about salt dough is that it is completely non-toxic and dries to a very hard state, so when they are sealed properly your decorations will last a lifetime.

3. Easter potato stamps

Potato stamps are a fun, creative way to decorate cards, make pictures, or decorate wrapping paper. All you need is some blank cards or craft paper, some potatoes, a knife (and an adult to cut the patterns), and different color acrylic paint. Of course, this activity can get a little messy, so we suggest using acrylic paint – it washes off with soap and warm water. We’d still recommend that you cover your table or workspace and wear old clothes!

4. Easter bunny bookmark

Share your love of reading with your grandchildren with these fun, cute bookmarks! They make lovely gifts for family, neighbors, and friends too. They’re a good crafting choice for children that are a little older as scissors are involved, but they’re still plenty of fun to make. All you need is square craft paper, wiggly eye stickers, white paper, black markers, scissors, and glue.

5. Yarn Easter eggs

For this craft, you use scraps of yarn, twine, and colorful ribbon to make pretty Easter eggs. They are the perfect piece of bright and beautiful décor for the holiday. We love them placed in ‘hiding places’ around your home and garden, in a pretty vase, or on an Easter wreath. They can also be lovely surprises if you place a little gift inside them to be opened up on Easter.

Joyful, abundant independent living for seniors in Sussex County

Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Communities 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 and their wellbeing!

If you want to find out more about our approach to assisted living in New Jersey, 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/5-easy-easter-crafts-for-seniors-to-do-with-their-grandchildren/

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/

5 Technology Benefits for Seniors

Technology continues to lift a huge weight off today’s seniors and their loved ones. Being able to stay in touch is vital, as we know that social connections help ease isolation, depression, and loneliness. There are many ways that technology can help older adults live fulfilled lives and keep their bonds with family and friends strong. Today, our assisted living team in Sussex County will focus on the 5 best benefits of technology for seniors.

#1 – Supports essential social activity. Technology has made communication and socializing easier and more rewarding for seniors, letting families video call and chat with the simple click of a button. Devices like larger smartphones and tablets are especially senior-friendly, with simple, distinct buttons, an easy-to-follow design, and adjustable background lighting. Most operating systems and apps have become much more user-friendly and accessible, even reading out emails if you are visually impaired or allowing voice search capabilities.

If your loved one finds it a little difficult to use this tech, apps like Team Viewer and Dameware can allow you to remotely access their device and help make that connection for them.

#2 – Enhances senior health and safety. We regularly cover senior health risks on this blog – for good reason. From falls to medication errors and illness, health risks are a major concern for seniors and their families. Technology is helping to ease these fears, reduce risks, and even help improve response time if a medical emergency occurs.

Wearable tech can monitor heart rate, activity, sleep, location, and care patterns, while wireless systems can help secure the home, prevent wandering and allow your family to check that doors and windows aren’t accidentally left open or unlocked. You can check on your loved one at any time, from any place.

Many of these systems also allow seniors to contact emergency response and family members at the touch of a button if they need to call for help.

#3 – Makes life more fun! For most of us, technology adds plenty of fun to everyday life – and seniors are no exception! Today, there are many senior-friendly apps and games to enjoy on TV, tablets, and smartphones. From TV streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu to games like Words with Friends, Elevate Brain Training, Duolingo, and Audible, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Even advanced tech like virtual reality is a great option for seniors when used safely, and is currently being used in research to help open up new horizons for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia conditions.

#4 – Helps make everyday life a little easier. Technology may be complicated, but learning to use it has never been simpler. With voice assistants like Siri and Google assistant, seniors can use smartphones and smart home devices to easily check the weather, tune in to their favorite music station, find a TV show, call a friend, or set reminders on their calendar. These tasks can all be done with simple voice commands. All you need is your device and an internet connection to order groceries online, chat to a friend, or even get medication reminders.

#5 – Keeps seniors physically and mentally active. No matter your interests, hobbies, or abilities, technology can enhance your life and help support the mental and physical health of your senior loved one. Audible can read books to you, Duolingo can teach you a new language, brain training apps can support cognitive function, and connected tech allows you to access senior health and fitness classes online with ease. Supporting mental and physical activity is one of the most effective and powerful ways of ensuring healthier senior years, and tech opens up an entire world of opportunities for seniors to do this. The winter months can be the perfect time to explore what’s available, as chilly temperatures and inclement weather often mean it’s not as easy to get out and see friends, participate in hobbies, or get enough physical activity.

Bristol Glen is part of the United Methodist Communities’ network of senior living and care options. We’re passionate about providing a space where seniors have the assistance and resources, they need to live a full, abundant, and independent life. If you want to chat about independent senior living in NJ or how to use technology for seniors, get in touch with us or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/5-technology-benefits-for-seniors/