How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community for Your Loved Ones

Moving to a senior living community is a decision that affects the whole family. Coming to terms with your parents moving out of your childhood home and into a community setting may be tough at first. However, it’s important to remind yourself that this move will be in everyone’s best interest. Mom and Dad will be in a space that’s much easier to manage, and you will have peace of mind knowing that they are in good hands. But how will you know that it’s the right community for them? It is essential to pick one that matches their needs and offers the care and assistance they truly deserve. In this article, our senior caregivers at United Methodist Communities will review the most crucial factors to consider when selecting the right senior living community for mom and dad.  

Choose the Ideal Senior Living Location

Finding the ideal location is the first step in narrowing down the search for your loved ones. Consider elements like being close to friends, family, and medical facilities. You want your loved ones to stay near their network of friends and family and to have quick access to healthcare facilities when necessary. Setting realistic expectations is important, as it can be extremely rare to find a community that has all your loved ones’ requirements in their hometown. However, finding a community that’s no more than 30 minutes away from everyone who matters in their life is completely feasible. United Methodist Communities has four full-service senior communities throughout New Jersey that are great places to start: Bristol Glen in Sussex County, The Shores in Cape May County, Pitman in Gloucester County and Collingswood in Camden County.  

Learn About the Advantages of Each Senior Community in Question 

Every senior living community provides different amenities and benefits that will vary from one spot to the next. Spend some time learning about the each community’s advantages by doing your own research for your senior parents or better yet – scheduling an in-person tour. By touring each community, you and your loved ones will get a real feel for what life is like there, plus you can ask your tour guide about any unanswered questions or concerns you may have. As a faith-based, nonprofit organization, United Methodist Communities has an unwavering mission to provide an abundant life for all seniors. We  place a high value on compassion, respect, stewardship, and service to provide our residents with the best possible care and assistance. UMC prioritizes every aspect of senior wellbeing – mind, body, and soul – therefore, we continually update and add more amenities, activities, and care services to ensure each older adult in our care is living their best life! 

Think About Your Budget for Senior Care

When choosing a new place for your loved ones to live, you can’t ignore the financial factors. It’s crucial to locate a community that is within your loved ones’ means. United Methodist Communities knows how important affordability is and provides fair-quality services. We will engage with families to help them understand their payment options and have flexible options to cover a 24/7 schedule. United Methodist Communities can offer advice and support whether you’re considering private finances, long-term care insurance, or assistance like the VetAssist Program.

Do Your Loved Ones Require Any Specialized Care Services?

Every person has different wants and preferences. More importantly, every senior has different needs when it comes to mobility and overall health. Therefore, it’s essential to take into account any specific services that your loved ones could need now or in the future. On top of our assisted living services, UMC also offers specialized care such as skilled nursing (long-term care), Tapestries memory care, and Brdiges hospice and palliative care. Having different levels of care under one roof ensures that if your loved one’s health needs change, they won’t have to move again.

UMC Seniors Lead Happy Lives in NJ

Above all else, you want your loved ones to be happy in their new home. With personable and licensed caregivers available 24/7 and a range of social activities provided each week, we truly believe your loved ones will be happiest at a UMC senior living community.

If you or a loved one are in search of a senior community in NJ that prioritizes abundant living at every turn, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/senior-living-community-loved-ones/

The Perks of Life at A Senior Living Community

When you hear the phrase “senior living community,” what image comes to mind? Do you envision an elderly person confined to their room, looking like they want to be virtually anywhere else? Fortunately, this outdated stereotype of the “old age home” is simply not true – at least for United Methodist Communities. Today, active senior living communities like UMC are thriving, vibrant neighborhoods full of independent seniors who lead full and interesting lives. 

In the past, older adults feared a  move into senior living meant losing their independence or becoming isolated from friends and family members. But our UMC senior living neighborhoods are designed to maintain our residents’ independence while providing whatever support they need. On top of excellent care, we also offer many activities including fitness lessons, cooking demonstrations, art classes, and more. 

All your friends are in one place

Did you know that many senior friend groups are choosing to move into senior living communities together? Getting older comes with its own set of challenges, one of the main ones being that seniors feel isolated and cut off from their friends, especially if they no longer drive. When you move into a senior community, you’ll have your friends just next door, so you can maintain a healthy social life and keep those life-long friendships strong. 

Activities just beyond your door

As mentioned above, senior living communities offer a huge range of activities that residents can enjoy. Your retirement years are a great time to pursue new hobbies and interests or to re-discover a hobby you enjoyed in your past. At UMC, you can explore gardening, cooking, music, movies, dance, and art – just to name a few. You’ve worked hard for decades, so it’s time to have fun and indulge in your hobbies!

No cooking or cleaning

Even though you can live in private accommodation in a senior community, staff are still on-site around the clock to support you with certain daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. These tasks can take a lot of your time and mental energy, so this assistance will ensure you’re relaxed and free to spend time with your friends and partake in your hobbies. 

Assistance tailored to your specific needs

One of the biggest benefits of senior communities is that assistance is scaled to each person’s needs. If you need support with only a few tasks, such as medication reminders, the staff will be happy to organize your pills and remind you to take them on time. If your mobility decreases over time and you need assistance with things like showering, changing clothes, and getting ready in the morning, qualified caregivers will be there to help. 

It’s common for your medical needs to change as you get older. When you first move into a senior living community, you may not need any assistance at all. As time goes on and you find yourself needing help, you don’t want to be uprooted and move to a new location every time your needs change. At our continued care senior communities you won’t need to. You can remain in the community you’ve come to call home and continue getting the care you need.

If you’d like to take a tour of one of our senior living communities in New Jersey, please contact our team or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/perks-of-a-senior-living-community/

3 Stomach Exercises for Seniors

At United Methodist Communities at The Shores, we haven’t met a senior who doesn’t love to eat! Which is great, because the ability to enjoy our food is one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s equally important to ensure our residents are just as passionate about their fitness, especially since we tend to accumulate more weight in our bellies as we age. Our core is also largely responsible for our sense of balance, which is crucial to maintain in order to stay active as we age. In honor of National Fitness Day (on the 6th), we’d like to share some great stomach exercises for older adults.

Chair Planks

Chair planks are a great way to target deep core muscles without any vigorous activity. First, make sure you have a sturdy chair, preferably with the back of the chair against a wall for stability. Stand facing the chair, and place the palms of your hands on the two outer edges of the chair closest to you. Walk your feet back until your head, shoulders, hips, and feet make a long line. Adjust as needed so you can comfortably hold the position. You want your elbows unlocked and in line with your shoulders. Keep your gaze forward, and focus on drawing your belly button to your spine. Hold the position for as long as you can and increase the amount of time. Start at 30 seconds and increase as you are able, repeating 2- 5 times as you feel comfortable.

Take it to the next level. If this is getting too easy for you, you can move your planks to the floor, keeping the same alignment as the chair. You can also play around with picking up one foot an inch off the floor, holding as long as possible, and then switching to the other side.

Seated Knee Lifts

Regardless of your fitness level, knee lifts are progressive exercises that build up inner core strength by working your lower abdominal muscles and transverse abdominal muscles. For this exercise, you’ll need your sturdy chair again, with the back of the chair up against a wall. Start by sitting on the edge of your chair. You don’t want to be falling off the chair, but you do want to be close to the edge to perform the exercise properly. Sit up tall, shoulders down away from the ears, and with control engage your lower abdominals to lift one knee up (3 to 4 inches off the ground) and hold for five seconds. Lower your leg and repeat with the other leg. You can start by doing 6-8 on each leg and work up to 10-12 reps. If you feel comfortable, you can also increase the hold time on each leg.

Take it up a notch. If you’re feeling strong with this movement, you can try the same exercise in a standing position.

Oblique Side Bends

This exercise is ideal for increasing the stabilization of your core, and can even help assist with daily life movements! Your oblique muscles run up each side of your core and account for a large portion of your body’s supportive structure. For this exercise, (you guessed it) you’ll once again need your sturdy chair, with its back up against the wall. Start by sitting tall near the edge of the chair with your feet flat on the floor. Next, place your fingertips behind your ears with your elbows out wide. If you can’t lift your arms that high, place your hands in a prayer position at chest level with your elbows in a straight line. When you’re ready, exhale and bend to one side. Try not to lean forward, and keep that straight back – lengthening your spine. Hold this position for 2 seconds and then return to the center. Repeat this motion on the other side. Start with 6-8 reps on each side and work your way up to 10-12 reps on each side.

UMC at The Shores: A Healthy Lifestyle

Core strength is critical for posture, balance, injury prevention, and longevity. Keeping your core strong is one of the easiest things you can do to maintain your mobility and independent senior lifestyle. At UMC at The Shores, exercise classes are offered a few times a week, plus there is a fitness center to use as you please. We make it easy for you to stay active so you can continue to live an abundant life.

Give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our active senior living community in South Jersey: https://umcommunities.org/theshores/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/blog/3-stomach-exercises-for-seniors/

The History of Collingswood

 

As one of New Jersey’s older established municipalities, Collingswood has a rich history and architecture reflecting it. Much has changed over the years, but a few things have remained. One of them is our vibrant senior living community, UMC at Collingswood. In this article, our team will share some intriguing history about this town and how our building has stood the test of time.

Origin story: How Collingswood came to be

It all started in 1681, when a ship brought Thomas Thackera, Mark Newbie, William Bates, George Goldsmith, and Thomas Sharp to what is now Salem, New Jersey. These men met Robert Zane (think Zane Avenue, which runs alongside UMC at Collingswood), and together the group would go on to play a major role in the development of the surrounding area. The following spring, new Quakers sailed into the mouth of Newton Creek and started to settle into the town we now know as Collingswood. At the time, the settlers decided on naming their newfound home Newton – hence why Collingswood was once referred to as Newton Township. The name remained until after the Civil War ended in 1865. That same year when peace was restored to the area, Haddon Township was created which included the town of Collingswood.

The community was primarily agricultural area until the late 1800s, when the Camden and Atlantic Railroad began running through the town. The rail line helped to bring new businesses and residents to the area. Soon after, Collingswood became a sought-after destination for people looking to escape the crowded cities of Philadelphia and Camden.

Throughout the early 1900s, Collingswood continued to grow and prosper, becoming known for its beautiful homes and picturesque tree-lined streets. Many of these homes were built in the Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles, and they remain a popular feature of the community today. The borough also became home to several cultural institutions, including the Collingswood Theater and the Scottish Rite Auditorium, which hosted various events and performances over the years. In the closing years of the 19th century, it became evident that the thriving suburban town of Collingswood was here to stay.

Our centuries-long tradition of caring for seniors

One of the most significant landmarks in Collingswood is the United Methodist Communities at Collingswood building. The original organization, called The Home for the Aged and Infirmed of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the County of Camden, was founded by Christianna Baird in 1890 and has been an important part of the community ever since. In 1971, the building’s name was changed to Collingswood Manor when it merged with then-United Methodist Homes of New Jersey. After UMHNJ’s rebranding to United Methodist Communities in 2016, the Manor became United Methodist Communities at Collingswood.

The building remains a beautiful example of the Colonial Revival style, with a grand entrance portico and white clapboard siding. It has been expanded and renovated over the years to accommodate more residents and offer additional services and amenities, but the property retains much of its original charm and character.

The United Methodist Communities at Collingswood has a rich history of serving the elderly in the community. It was originally founded to provide a safe and comfortable home for elderly women who had no other means of support, and it has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of seniors over the years. Today, we offer a range of services and amenities to help seniors live active and fulfilling lives, including assisted living, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation.

Senior community life in Collingswood, NJ

United Methodist Communities at Collingswood is just one example of the many landmarks and buildings that make this town such a unique and special place. From its early days as an agricultural town to its current status as a thriving suburb, Collingswood has always been a place of growth and change. Today, it continues to be a popular destination for people who are looking for a close-knit community with a rich past and a bright future.

Whether you are a resident of UMC at Collingswood or a visitor to the area, there is no doubt that this borough has something special to offer to everyone!

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

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/the-history-of-collingswood/

Tips for Choosing the Right Senior Living Community

 

Have you been thinking that it’s about time to make the move into a senior living community? Despite the outdated stereotypes, many of today’s senior living communities are vibrant, thriving places. Places where older adults can enjoy their retirement years while maintaining full independence. If you’ve started your search for the right senior living community for you, here are some tips or questions to answer that will help you choose. 

Does the senior community offer enough activities and amenities?

Many older adults use their retirement years to explore new hobbies and interests, as well as devote more time to activities they love. Many senior living communities offer a variety of activities and amenities, like a tennis court, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a hair salon, a movie room, and a range of classes, including cooking, sewing, gardening, painting, music, and much more. 

When scouting potential senior living communities, ask for a list of their activities and amenities to ensure you can pursue your unique hobbies and interests. Ensure there are enough options so you’ll have a chance to try something new. Who knows, you may even end up discovering a new passion! 

Is the location of the senior living community ideal?

Understandably, most people don’t want to move far away from their local stomping grounds. You likely have family and friends in close proximity to where you live now, and choosing a nearby senior living community will help you maintain those existing relationships. One benefit of moving into a senior community is that you’ll be surrounding yourself with potential new friends in your same age group, and you’ll be able to have visits from your children and your grandchildren whenever you want. 

Are there varying levels of care available under one roof?

Each senior requires a different level of care. Perhaps you’re completely independent and simply want to live around people your own age, or maybe you need a little bit of help with daily tasks like cleaning, grocery shopping, and cooking. Some people have specific health or medical needs, some have limited mobility or are recovering from injuries, and others need help with things like medication management and moving from point A to point B. 

Ideally, the senior living community you choose will offer different care options all in the same location. That way, you won’t need to uproot your life and move to another community if your care needs change. Once you find a senior community you love, it’s comforting to know that you’ll be able to stay there for many years to come. 

Do the values of the senior community match my own?

It’s important that the values and mission of the senior living community align with your personal beliefs. Many older adults struggle with the idea of moving into a senior community because they think it means sacrificing their independence. If this is how you feel, you should look for a community that prioritizes helping seniors maintain their independence for as long as possible. 

The senior living community should also put its residents’ safety, security, and comfort above all else, and we recommend you ask about values and mission when touring different communities. You can also ask to speak with current residents and members of staff to learn more, and don’t forget to read the online reviews after you visit in person. 

For more information on choosing the senior living community that best fits your needs, please contact our team at UMC today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/senior-living-community/

New Year, New You…Right?

It’s that time of year again, and you probably feel the pressure to think of a good New Year’s resolution that you can actually manage to keep. There’s a lot of hype around the “new year, new you” idea and while that can be the motivation some people need, it often wears off in a few days. If you have a habit you want to change or add to your routine, it is best to focus on changing who you are rather than focusing on the results you want. While this sounds like a big task, it is simpler than you think. For example, if you resolve to exercise every day, your focus shouldn’t be on the results you want from the exercise, but rather on changing your identity to being a physically fit person. This will bring you the results you’re hoping for and make your goal much more achievable. We have a few actionable ideas for senior resolutions that you can actually stick to!

A Positive Mind

Keeping a positive mindset can improve your health and has been linked to a lower risk of memory loss, injury, and feelings of loneliness and isolation while increasing preventive care. Positive thinking doesn’t mean you have your head in the clouds but rather that you choose to look at the positives over the negatives. An easy way to start being more positive is to write down three things you’re grateful for every morning. They can be as simple as a warm cup of coffee or the more important things like your family. Making this a daily practice will allow the positivity to seep into the rest of your life. When you find yourself getting down about something, we challenge you to find the good in the moment and remember it doesn’t always have to be one or the other, you can acknowledge being grateful and frustrated at the same time.

Daily Exercise

Committing to a daily exercise routine is one of the most common resolutions out there and also the most failed resolution out there. As we mentioned earlier, when you’re committing to a resolution like this you really need to commit to changing who you are rather than just making the commitment for the results. Choosing to become a physically active person is bigger than the results, and all you need to start is 10 minutes a day. We encourage you to find an exercise program or routine that gets you excited and plan to do it right after you wake up in the morning. Figure out what you need to make this routine work. Maybe you watch a morning talk show while you work out, maybe you attend a class, or maybe you just crank your favorite tunes!

Stimulate Your Mind

Challenging your mind is crucial for staying mentally sharp as you age and reducing the chances of memory loss conditions like dementia. Challenging your mind can be easy, simple activities like daily reading or puzzles. Joining a book club is a great way to stay accountable. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can learn to play an instrument or even take on learning a new language! The possibilities here are endless, and it’s important to keep trying new things.

Intentional Goals for 2023

Whatever goal or resolution you choose for 2023, make sure it is something you can stick to. If you are still considering how to best stick to your goal, make a plan before the new year on actionable steps you can take toward your goal. Break your goal down into small steps, even if you start at ten minutes a day- it’s a start, and that’s all that matters. Living at a senior living community like UMC at Bristol Glen can actually make it easier to commit to your goal. With exercise and activity classes available every day, you’ll always have an opportunity to stay fit and try something new.

https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/bristolglen/blog/new-year-new-you-right/

A Packing List For Your Move To A Senior Living Community

If you’re preparing to move into a senior living community, you probably feel overwhelmed at the prospect of packing all of your things. You undoubtedly want to feel comfortable in your new home, and you want the transition to be as smooth as possible, but you might not know which belongings are essential to pack, and which items you can safely leave behind. Our team has put together this helpful packing checklist to help you make those tough decisions. 

Ask Beforehand What Is Provided At The Senior Living Community

We recommend you visit your future home and take notes about what will be provided for you. You may have a furnished room or you may be able to bring your own furniture, and perhaps your senior living community will provide you with bedding and towels, or perhaps you’ll bring your own. Other things to check for include a television and cable service, WiFi, laundry service, and a small refrigerator for your room. The staff in your new community will want to make your transition as easy as possible, so be sure to ask if you have specific questions.

Choose Small Items That Feel Like Home

As you prepare to move into your new home, think about where you currently live. What makes it feel like home? What items in your home make you feel happy? Small items and little touches can have a big, positive impact in your new home – things like photo albums, family photos, homemade gifts from over the years, and sentimental things like jewelry that have been passed down to you. 

You may have a favorite lamp, a piece of art you love, or a cozy blanket you snuggle up with on a chilly winter evening. Take inventory of your current home and make a list of all the smaller items that will give your new home that special feeling. 

Pack The Clothes You Use The Most

Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of clothes you no longer wear. Many of us have a habit of hanging onto certain items of clothing for a little too long, whether it’s an old pair of jeans we know we won’t wear again, or a worn-out sweater that has seen better days. 

Even if you have a very spacious closet at your new senior living community, we recommend packing the clothes that you wear the most. Choose your favorite jeans, shirts, cardigans, and other items like shoes and belts, and consider donating everything else. 

Remember All Your Toiletries

Our toiletries form an important part of our daily routine. You likely have a preferred shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, and other grooming products you use on a daily basis. Bringing your trusted toiletries to your new home is a great way to help you settle in more quickly.  When it comes to products like perfumes and colognes, having a familiar scent can make you feel more at home. 

Your senior living community may have a pharmacy or a store where you can stock up on the essentials, but please bring all your toiletries from home to start. 

If you’d like more information about how to efficiently pack for your move to a senior living community, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you, and perhaps welcoming you soon!

To learn more, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/senior-living-community/

Why Short-Term Rehab at Pitman?

 

Many people don’t realize that short-term rehabilitation can take place in a reputable senior living community. We’ve come to find that until you’re the one searching for short-term rehab for your elderly parent who has just suffered from a bad fall, that’s when you figure out that this is a viable option. This type of rehabilitative care is offered within hospitals, physical therapy centers, and senior living communities that can provide skilled nursing, like UMC at Pitman. Even though this care is offered elsewhere, here’s why it’s more beneficial to receive short-term rehab at our senior living community in Gloucester County.

More Cost Effective

If your mom or dad needs more time to recover from a bad fall, stroke, or surgery, short-term rehab is the best option to move forward. However, staying at a hospital may not be the most ideal option, as multiple overnight hospital stays can be very pricey. So, where should they go? UMC at Pitman has a full-time rehabilitation team specializing in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy for our residents. Fortunately, this type of care offered in a community like ours is typically paid for by Medicare. Medicare is a federal program that people pay into as they work over the years. However, financial coverage varies depending on the plan your parents have chosen to pay into. With that said, we recommend giving us a call with your loved one present to get a better understanding of their coverage.

Designed to Regain Independence

The short-term rehab program at Pitman is not a quick fix. Our core philosophy is to empower all seniors’ independence so they have the opportunity to live abundantly in our community or at home with support! As we briefly touched on before, the initial hospital stay is short and if the mom chooses to stay longer – the bills pile up. And while the hospital may deem your senior parent “well” enough to leave, they may be leaving with a new issue. For example, mom’s initial bruising may have healed after her fall, but now she needs more help regaining and strengthening her mobility. That’s where short-term rehab comes in. When your mom enters short-term rehabilitation at Pitman, our team will thoroughly evaluate her needs and develop a personalized plan to help her regain mobility where possible – thus restoring a little bit of her independence. Every little bit counts and our physical and occupational therapists will do everything in their power to help short-term rehab residents restore what once was.

More Intensive Care

Our short-term rehabilitation wing is understandably smaller than a hospital, which means we don’t sacrifice care. Seniors who choose Pitman to receive 24-hour comprehensive care and supervision, more than they would receive at a hospital. As we mentioned above, rehab begins with a warm welcome and a thorough evaluation upon arrival. In conjunction with our core philosophy, our team believes in making an immediate connection with each new resident to ensure their comfort. Each member of the rehabilitation staff welcomes feedback and any questions as this is usually a new experience for the resident. Whether it be further clarification on the treatment or extra assistance with a daily task, our team wants to ensure your senior parent is comfortable enough to ask for anything.

More Room for Fun!

After the initial consultation, our team develops customized rehabilitative care plans. These plans include establishing the types of therapy, medical treatments, and dietary requirements necessary for your loved one’s recovery. Another major aspect that is often overlooked in other rehab settings is enjoyment. Who says this experience has to be boring or depressing? With their customized care plan, our team also considers the types of activities that would be safe for your loved one to take part in while at our senior living community. As long as it’s deemed safe, short-term residents enjoy the same access that full-time residents have to monthly activities and classes on site. Some of our residents’ favorite classes include Zumba, meditation, knitting, and crafting – just to name a few.

Common reasons seniors choose short-term rehab at UMC at Pitman:

• Recovering from surgery that requires medical supervision and occupational therapy before returning home
• Restoring and strengthening mobility, often after a fall
• Recovering from a stroke or heart attack
• Diagnosed with diabetes, thyroid disease, or another condition affecting dietary and medical needs
• Partial or full speech paralysis due to Bell’s Palsy, stroke, or other conditions
• Treatment for a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, which causes difficulty breathing

To find out whether or not your loved one is eligible for our short-term rehab care in Gloucester County, or if you have questions about any of our other senior living services, please contact United Methodist Communities at Pitman today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/why-short-term-rehab-at-pitman/

Senior Stress Relief: 4 Ways to Combat & Relieve

 

Everyone deals with stress differently, which is okay as long as it’s a healthy way to cope. Turning to negative coping mechanisms, like alcohol consumption or poor eating habits, however, only cause more serious issues down the road. With today being National Stress Awareness Day, it is wholly appropriate to shed light on healthy ways to combat and relieve stress, especially for our beloved seniors.

#1. Meditation. Stress begins and ends with our minds. When we change the way we think, we’re inadvertently reducing our stress levels. One way to rewire our thought patterns is through meditation. Practicing meditation regularly can quiet a busy mind and help us become more present and in the moment. This can help reduce stress because when you are more focused on the present moment, there is less room to let the past affect your next move and worry about what’s going to happen in the future. At UMC at Collingswood, we have regular meditation and mindfulness classes available for all of our residents to attend on a weekly basis.

#2. Form Healthy Eating Habits. Some may not realize the impact our food has on our stress levels. When we eat too much food that lacks any real nutritional value, not only do our bodies suffer, our minds suffer as well. The mind and body need a lot of vitamins and nutrients on a daily basis to function opportunely. We recommend a low-carb diet that incorporates healthy saturated fats – this includes foods such as avocados, fish, chicken, nuts, eggs, and plenty of greens. However, the first thing that must be done to reduce stress is to cut out excess sugar! Sugar is easy energy that runs out fast and leaves us feeling almost “hungover.” Once you come down from the sugar high, that’s when stress and anxiety majorly kick in.

#3. Being Part of a Community. Everyone can go through moods and withdraw from social situations from time to time. However, it’s important that isolation doesn’t become a habit,  especially for seniors who are much more susceptible to more serious issues like anxiety and depression. Seniors who are a part of a community are much less likely to fall into social isolation as there are many staff members and other residents in close proximity to them each day. Being a part of a senior living community improves socialization through the many activities available on site – designed to bring residents together and keep them together through shared interests.

#4. Exercise. When it comes to exercise, it’s easy to forget that the mind benefits just as much as the body. Because exercise releases endorphins, those “feel-good” chemicals have a positive effect on the health of our brains. As we mentioned before, stress begins in the brain so exercising is directly linked to improving stress levels. A regular exercise routine is essential for every senior, and this could be made much easier if they reside in a senior community that has a fitness center available on site. Many senior communities like UMC have weekly exercise classes available as well like Zumba, chair yoga, and dancing.

Reduced stress for seniors in Collingswood

At UMC at Collingswood, we have trained associates, therapists, and other medical professionals available on site to help seniors reduce stress safely. Whether it’s through exercise classes, nutrient-rich meals, meditation, or another activity entirely, our team can modify health and wellness plans for each resident. We completely understand how stress can affect every senior differently, so we do everything possible to get to the root of the problem through meaningful connections and the many resources we have available on site.

For more information about our senior care services in Camden County, please give our team a call today or visit us at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/senior-stress-relief-4-ways-to-combat-relieve/

3 Signs You’re Ready for Independent Senior Living

Independence is a top priority for many seniors. This is especially true when it comes to deciding where to reside. Even though some may argue that moving into a senior living community means relinquishing independence, we’re here to tell you why the opposite is true! The beauty of a modern senior living community is letting go of chores and other responsibilities and making more time for the active, independent retirement lifestyle you deserve. If you’ve been bouncing the idea of senior living back and forth, here are the top 3 signs that you are ready for the move.

#1. The idea of giving up cooking excites you. Have you ever realized that a meal is so much more enjoyable when it’s cooked by someone else? There’s a reason for that. When someone else cooks, the stress of going to the store, finding the right ingredients, and following the specifics of a recipe is alleviated off your plate (literally and figuratively). And let’s not stop there, you know what would make every meal even better? Having someone else do the dishes after! You’ve paid your dues and probably washed enough dishes to feed an army – it’s time to give it up and make more time for yourself. At a senior living community like UMC at Collingswood, associates on-site can cook, create meal plans, and clean up after meals on a daily basis. UMC at Collingswood also offers community dining in an elegant and spacious dining room where other residents and your family and friends can accompany you for a meal. The on-site executive chef is culinary trained and ready to accept requests or adhere to any dietary restrictions residents may need.

#2. Home maintenance is becoming too much. Now, this may be a tough one to come to terms with, especially if this is the home you’ve raised a family in and loved for many years. With your kids all grown up and moving on with their own families, you now have less help with maintaining your sizable home. Homeownership is a lot of work to do on your own. There are recurring tasks like dusting, wiping down kitchen counters, cutting the lawn, keeping the bathrooms clean, and doing loads of laundry – just to name a few. And then there are always unexpected issues that pop up from time to time like shoveling snow, unclogging a toilet, and repairing HVAC units or leaky pipes. Not to mention, all those monthly bills for utilities, electricity, cable, and more. The complexity of home maintenance is just another reason why living independently in a senior community has become so appealing. You can say goodbye to chores and having to keep track of the multiple utility bills coming in. All senior living apartments at Collingswood are maintained and cleaned daily, and if an unexpected problem arises – you can make a quick call to one of our associates who will handle it ASAP. With home maintenance removed from your roster, you now have the time – more importantly, the energy – to take part in the activities you truly enjoy doing.

#3. You’re looking for more opportunities to learn, enjoy activities, and connect with others. This is hands down the most important sign we’ve been leading up to. Many seniors are under the impression that living in a community is equivalent to a loss of independence, but this couldn’t be more untrue. Relinquishing control of home maintenance issues, cooking, and cleaning frees up your time significantly so you actually have more independence to do what you actually want to do. Have you ever wanted to take painting lessons? Zumba classes? Or for the more ambitious, learn a new language? With all the mundane daily tasks taken care of by our reliable associates, you can now do all of the above! Not to mention, you’ll make some new friends along the way who enjoy the same interests – what could be better than that?

Independent senior lifestyles in Camden County NJ

At our senior living community in Camden County, seniors are free to choose the independent lifestyle that makes the most sense for their interests and mobility level. We have many activities and events scheduled every month that all residents are welcome to join. Some of our crowd favorites include group meditation, dance classes, movie nights, and much more. Not to mention, our professional associates are available 24/7 to assist if necessary and ensure the safety of all activities performed on-site.

To find out more about independent lifestyles for seniors in Collingswood, NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/collingswood/blog/3-signs-youre-ready-for-independent-senior-living/

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

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

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

Understand that settling in requires patience

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

Ask open-ended questions instead of just complaining

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

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

Document all issues

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

Give immediate feedback

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

Get to know all the staff 

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

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

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

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

5 Benefits to Having Your Pet in Assisted Living

When you think about life in an assisted living community, do you happen to think about pets? Many modern senior communities are embracing the presence of their furry friends. Perhaps you’re considering moving your senior loved one into an assisted living community, but they’re worried about what will happen to their beloved cat or dog. The good news is they don’t have to say goodbye when they make the transition. Here are a few benefits of having pets in assisted living:

• Pets help ease the anxiety involved with transitioning into an assisted living community. If you’ve ever tried to have a conversation with your older loved one about moving into a senior community, you’ve probably been met with arguments and protests. Many seniors think they’ll lose their independence and sense of identity, and they’re anxious about moving into a new environment after they’ve been comfortable in their current environment for so long. Having a pet can help reduce that anxiety, and serve as a familiar constant when they’re in a state of change. 
• Caring for a pet provides a sense of daily routine. We all have routines that keep us sane, and seniors are no different. While moving into an assisted living community can be a challenge, having a pet to take care of helps seniors establish more structure, and it gives every day a sense of purpose. None of us want to feel aimless, or like we have nothing to do but sit around all day. Caring for a pet is a great addition to a daily routine. 
• Therapy dogs are used in memory care units. Many memory care units use therapy dogs to provide relief, enjoyment, and comfort to residents with dementia. Therapy dogs are known for their calm, sweet natures and they gently interact with residents, sometimes even going on walks together. They’re also trained to detect signs of distress, so they can alert someone if a resident needs help. 
• Adopting a pet as a group helps residents bond with one another. While many residents bring a pet with them when they move into an assisted living community, some senior living communities decide to adopt a pet as a group. There are so many cats and dogs who need loving homes and having a community pet is a great way for people to come together and get to know each other better. 
• Pets are a constant when nothing else is. As much as you might try to regularly visit or communicate with your senior loved one in an assisted living community, there will be times when you aren’t able to consistently visit or speak. Having a pet gives your loved one a solid constant in their life and it can greatly improve their quality of life. 

Pet-friendly senior living communities in NJ

The “no pets policy” in assisted living communities may soon be a thing of the past. Seniors across the country have discovered the many benefits of having a pet in assisted living, and not to mention, the associates on-site love them also! It’s a great comfort to know that moving into a senior living community doesn’t mean they need to give up their furry friend. 

If you think it’s time to consider an assisted living community for your senior loved one and their pet, please contact our team at UMC today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/5-benefits-to-having-your-pet-in-assisted-living/

Why Staying at Home Might Not be the Best Option

When our parents reach a certain age it’s natural to start feeling concerned about their well being, especially if they have limited mobility or certain health conditions. The reality of modern life means we’re all busy with jobs, childcare, and other obligations, so we aren’t able to be with our elderly parents around the clock – which means it may be time to look for a safer alternative. 

It’s a cultural cliche at this point, but the vast majority of older adults will put up some resistance when you suggest it might be time to consider moving into an assisted living community. These conversations can be difficult to have, so in this article our team talks through the five most common myths seniors believe about staying in their homes. 

Senior living communities are for seniors who are sick

While there may be residents who have certain medical conditions or who have complex medical needs, many assisted living communities are full of healthy seniors who are enjoying living independently. The outdated nursing home stereotypes simply aren’t true anymore, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) give older adults the freedom to explore new hobbies and interests in an environment that can support their daily needs. 

I can just get the care I need at home

Unfortunately, arranging for in-home care for older adults can be cost-prohibitive and complicated. And if the home health aide isn’t able to attend on a certain day, you’re left scrambling trying to make an alternative plan, working around your family’s busy lives. 

Reassure your loved one that if they move into a CCRC they’ll still have freedom and control over their life, while also having access to the medical care they need 24/7. 

I need to stay in my home if I want to stay connected with my friends

The senior years can be very isolating for many older adults who remain at home. Maintaining an active social circle is vital for seniors’ mental, emotional, and physical health. Senior living communities are an excellent place to build new friendships, expand your social circle, and form life-long bonds with like-minded people who are living in the same building. 

My current home is the best place for me to stay after I retire

We all go through phases in life, and transitioning into assisted living is a big phase that comes with many changes. If your senior parent has mobility issues, health issues, or certain medical needs, then remind them that they’d be best served in an environment where medical professionals are on site around the clock. A CCRC offers the best of both worlds: a safe and supportive environment that allows them to live a full, independent life. 

It’s better for me financially to remain at home

Even if the mortgage has been paid off, upkeep costs for homeowners can quickly become burdensome. Combine that with the cost of any in-home medical care your senior parent might need, and it becomes obvious that an assisted living community makes more sense from a financial standpoint as well. 

Making the decision to move mom or dad into a CCRC isn’t an easy one, but it’s often the best choice for them and for the whole family. For more information about our CCRC Independent Living Community in Sussex County, please contact our team today or visit our website at: https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/assisted-living/why-staying-at-home-might-not-be-the-best-option/