6 Summer Activities for Seniors in South Jersey

 

Summer is here and the sun is shining! With COVID-restrictions lifting and more people getting vaccinated, it’s the perfect time for seniors to step outside and enjoy some fun summer activities. If you’re not sure what activity to do first with mom and dad – don’t worry! Our assisted living team in South Jersey has put together a list of local summer activities to do with your senior loved one.

#1 – 32nd Annual Cape May Music Festival. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of summer at the 32nd Annual Cape May Music Festival! The line-up for this year’s event includes the Atlantic Brass Band, the Bay Atlantic Symphony, the New York Chamber Ensemble, and legendary jazz singer Paula Johns. This series of outdoor musical events will take place through June at the beautiful, historic Emlen Physick Estate. There are also online-only events that you can stream to your home if you want to avoid the crowds – the perfect opportunity to create your own garden concert.

#2 – The West Cape May Strawberry Festival. Nothing says summer quite like the fresh, ripe sweetness of strawberries – and the West Cape May Strawberry Festival has the very best! This free event sponsored by the West Cape May Business Association is all about honoring these delicious berries in all their forms, with plenty of food, live music, and more. Hosted at Wilbraham Park, it’s a great family event for all ages.

#3 – Greater Cape May Historical Society Antique Sale. This antique show and sale is perfect for anyone who loves history, treasure hunting, and finding special vintage pieces to showcase in their homes. It will be hosted at Wilbraham Park on June 19th, with all funds going towards the Colonial House Restoration Fund. Come along and be enchanted by the past!

#4 – The Summer Crafts and Collectables Show. Beautiful local crafts and collectibles make this one of the best markets in the county. Hosted on June 26th at the Emlen Physick Estate, the Summer Crafts and Collectables Show is a fun day out for seniors and their families. With plenty of food stalls, treats, and entertainment, it’s a great chance to enjoy the sunshine, spend time together, and see what the best crafters and vendors in the area have to offer.

#5 – 31st Annual Quilt & Fiber Arts Show. Catch the 31st Annual Quilt and Fiber Arts Show at Historic Cold Spring Village on June 26th for a day of artistry, craftsmanship, history, and of course, fun. Listen to interesting speakers, watch live demonstrations, and see incredible craftsmanship from the top quilting and fiber art vendors in the country. It’s an outing for anyone who loves arts and crafts, plus children under 3 are free.

#6 – West Cape May Farmers’ Market. Farmers’ markets are back – and this is one of the best in New Jersey! The West Cape May Farmers’ Market will run for 10 weeks starting June 29th at Backyard Park’s Municipal Complex. This market is on no matter the weather, so put on your sunscreen or grab your umbrella and come visit the vendors. From fresh farm produce to herbs, antiques, live art demonstrations, seafood, kettle corn, great coffee, and local musicians, this market has it all – and plenty of wide-open space in which to enjoy it!

At The Shores, our assisted living community in South Jersey, we take a holistic approach to caregiving that supports a full, healthy and independent life in a professional, yet fun setting.

We care deeply about each person in our care, balancing the need for strict health and safety protocols with our focus on active aging. Our core mission is to help seniors stay independent and healthy, while enjoying life with those who mean the most.

For more information on the senior care services we offer at our assisted living community in South Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities today or visit our website at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Resources for activities mentioned:

https://capemaymac.org/experience/special-events/cape-may-music-festival/
https://festivalnet.com/87258/West-Cape-May-New-Jersey/Specialty-Theme-Events/West-Cape-May-Strawberry-Festival
https://www.capemay.com/calendar/events/antique-show-and-sale/
https://capemaymac.org/experience/special-events/crafts-and-collectibles/
https://www.capemay.com/calendar/events/west-cape-may-farmers-market/

Original blog posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/6-summer-activities-for-seniors-in-south-jersey/

5 Senior Yoga Stretches to Improve Balance

Yoga is an often-overlooked tool for helping seniors improve their balance. Performing some simple yoga exercises each day can not only improve balance and muscle mass, but can also build confidence, lower blood pressure, improve sleep and boost reflexes, helping seniors stay mobile and reduce falls. If you or a senior family member is a beginner to yoga, here are five simple exercises recommended by our assisted living community in Cape May County, NJ!

What is yoga?

Before we dive right in, let’s take a look at what yoga actually is, since there are some misconceptions about this practice.

Yoga is an ancient discipline that originated in India. The practice combines exercises with breathing techniques to work the body, as well as the mind. Thus promoting correct posture, flexibility, and coordination. Practices can be very rigorous and demanding or they can be gentle and relaxing, bringing your body into harmony with the surrounding environment. The wonderful thing about yoga is that it can be adapted to anyone’s needs, age or capability, making it ideal for everybody!

The last thing to remember is that yoga, like any exercise, takes a long time to master. With that said, it’s important not to overexert yourself or push yourself too hard, as that’s when injuries happen. Work with an instructor who can help you settle into the poses easily and make sure you are doing them correctly. As long as you are feeling the stretch in the right places and work consistently towards improving, you’re on your way to becoming a true yogi!

Yoga exercises for seniors or beginners

1. Mountain pose

This is a very simple pose (known as asana) that helps with balance by grounding the body through the feet.

• Stand tall on a yoga mat with your feet together (heels and toes touching).
• Engage your abdominal muscles, pulling your stomach in.
• Relax your shoulders so they lie flat on your back and away from your ears.
• Flex your leg muscles, feeling the stretch in your calves and thighs.
• Hold your arms straight down at your sides, turning the inside of your elbows towards the front of your body and keeping your palms facing your thighs.
• Breathe slowly and hold the pose steady for five breaths.

2. Tree pose

• Start by standing in Mountain pose. For this balancing and hip-strengthening pose, you should feel free to use a chair, wall or rail for support.
• Turn the foot of your right leg outward and raise the foot until you can place it flat against the left thigh. Push against the foot with your left (standing leg) thigh.
• Fire up the legs and glutes, pulling in the abdominal muscles and holding the shoulder blades flat against your back to keep yourself upright.
• You can bring your palms together in front of your sternum if you have sufficient balance.
• Hold for five breaths.
• Repeat with the other leg.

3. Butterfly pose

• Sit on your mat, keeping your back straight, your spine long and your abdominal muscles flexed. If you are struggling to keep your posture, sit on a folded blanket or foam block for more height and to open the hips.
• Bring your feet together in front of you so that the bottoms of your feet touch, and let your knees sink out to the side, forming a diamond shape in front of you.
• Try to bring your heels in as far towards you as you can while keeping a straight posture.
• Wrap your hands over the tops of your feet.
• Hold for 30 seconds, then bring your face down toward your feet, letting your back round gently.
• Try to keep your knees as close as possible to the floor.
• Take five slow breaths.

You can also do this pose lying on your back.

4. Bird dog pose

• Start by kneeling on the mat on all fours (feel free to add more padding/a blanket under the knees if uncomfortable). Make sure your wrists are directly under your shoulders, your knees are directly under your hips, and that your spine is straight.
• Stretch one arm straight out in front of you, and stretch the opposite leg straight out behind you. Keep looking down with your neck in line with your spine.
• Move slowly, controlling each motion. Breathe out as you lift up and outwards, and breathe in as you bring your arm and leg back down.
• Repeat with the opposite side.
• Repeat both sides five times.

5. Seated spinal twist

• Sit upright on your mat with your legs straight out in front of you.
• Bring your right knee up to your chest, and cross it over your left leg, so that your foot is flat on the floor next to the left thigh.
• Bend your left leg so that your heel comes to rest by your right glute. This will look a bit like a knot. Try to keep your hips square and rest your glutes on the floor. If you can’t, put a folded blanket under the lifted hip for some extra support.
• Reach your right arm behind you (don’t over stretch, just bring it to the floor), raise your left arm up and wrap it around your right knee, so you are holding it closer to your chest.
• Breath in, then exhale, turning toward the right. Keep your chin up and try to keep your shoulders square by pushing the left arm’s shoulder blade flat and away from your ears.
• Hold for between 30 seconds and one minute and come out slowly.
• Repeat with the other side.

All of these poses can be modified in a sitting position. You can find videos online that will show how to do this. Before you start any exercise program it’s important to consult with your doctor.

The Shores is part of the United Methodist Communities network, providing exceptional care and socialization opportunities for seniors in South Jersey. Please contact us to learn more about our community or visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/5-senior-yoga-stretches-to-improve-balance/

Parkinson’s: 6 Tips to Help Your Loved One (And You) Cope

It’s not easy to be a caregiver to a loved one with Parkinson’s disease. You are constantly keeping track of doctors’ appointments, medications and new ways to slow the progression of the disease, as well as providing attention and support. Understandably, it may also feel like you are putting other elements of your life on hold to be a full-time caregiver.

With that in mind, the team at The Shores, an assisted living community in Cape May County, NJ, wants to make your caregiving journey easier with tips on how you and your loved one can cope.

1 – Keep learning. Use informative resources to keep learning about Parkinson’s disease, so that you can better understand the condition, its symptoms and how it progresses. This will help prepare you for changes in your loved one’s care needs and behaviors, so you can manage them more effectively. In addition to talking to your loved one’s doctors and specialists, read about the condition through reputable websites like the Mayo Clinic, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and Parkinson’s News Today. These resources will also have the latest news and updates on Parkinson’s disease management.

2 – Accept that you’re not perfect. A diagnosis like this one will turn anyone’s world upside down and can push you into a position that you never prepared for. Everything about your life changes, and with that comes stress and responsibility to deal with. While you’re going to have to adapt significantly, be kind to yourself and forgive yourself for any inevitable missteps. Lean on your resources, adapt your daily routines accordingly, and don’t be too hard on yourself – you are only human.

3 – Don’t go at it alone. Don’t try to take on every caregiving role, situation and need yourself. It’s hard enough to navigate your own life, and adding the responsibility of being a sole caregiver can quickly become overwhelming, especially in later stages. Bring people you trust into your fold, whether it’s neighbors, friends, family or support groups. It takes a village to cope with such a life-changing diagnosis. The needs that arise as a result of Parkinson’s disease, along with taking on too much work is a surefire way to burnout. Your needs matter too. Ironically, you need to prioritize your self-care first, in order to be a well-balanced caregiver to someone else. 

4 – Get organized. Being organized helps reduce frustration and stress as a caregiver, and helps ensure your loved one gets the right care. Develop a system for storing and referencing your loved one’s medical notes, insurance information, health records, appointments, and contact details for doctors and specialists. Track all their medications, as well as how they are being administered. Get to know their medical insurance policy inside out. This folder should go with you to all appointments, so that you can make informed decisions without having to go back and forth searching for the most recent information.

5 – Know yourself and your limits. One of the most important factors in providing quality care to a loved one is keeping an eye on your own well being. Knowing when you are reaching your own limits as a caregiver is critical to avoiding burnout, and will give your loved one the most high quality care. Too many caregivers neglect themselves while caring for a loved one, which can cause your mental and physical health, as well as your relationships with others to suffer.
Learn to recognize symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and illness within yourself, and take the necessary time off to help yourself get back to a healthy space. This can mean letting other family members help out more, calling in a local respite caregiver, or committing to 24-hour care in an assisted living community.

6 – Make space for joy, love and happiness in your relationship. A Parkinson’s diagnosis is devastating to both you and your loved one, and as their care needs progress, the nature of this condition can let negative emotions flood in. However, it’s important to make space for as much joy and happiness as you can in your relationship. Enjoy activities together as much as you can, whether it’s going for a walk outdoors or helping your loved one get dressed. Relive happy memories, watch your favorite movies together, keep them involved in their favorite hobbies as much as possible, and just make those quality moments together count. The best advice we can give is to treasure their drive to keep living life to the fullest, when it’s there.

Let United Methodist Communities help make every moment count

The Shores is an assisted living community in Ocean City, NJ, that’s designed to provide professional, compassionate care to seniors that promote their independence and quality of life. With 24-hour specialized support available to residents with Parkinson’s disease, your loved one will have the care and space they need to enjoy quality time with family and friends.

If you are seeking assistance as a caregiver of a loved one with Parkinson’s, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, or visit our website at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/

Original blog posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/parkinsons-6-tips-to-help-your-loved-one-and-you-cope/

5 At-Home Workouts to Boost Heart Health

Have you been staying true to your New Year’s resolutions to get fit and healthy? The great news is that you don’t have to join a gym to reach your goals. Working out at home is more convenient, more affordable and you avoid going out into the winter cold.

There’s no better time than now to get into a regular workout routine, especially since February is American Heart Month. Here are five workouts that can be performed in the comfort of your own home that are great for your heart health.

#1 – Yoga

Yoga is great for your heart health, with studies suggesting it is as effective as going for a brisk walk. People involved in the study came from all age groups, with many having pre-existing health conditions, and found that it helped them to lose excess weight, reduce their blood pressure and lower levels of harmful cholesterol. The stretches and positions gently exercise muscles, while the deep breathing and meditation help reduce stress. Because yoga is easy to adapt for different abilities, it’s great for all ages too!

#2 – Strength Training

Weight training helps build all the muscles in your body, and that includes your heart. It helps support and increase muscle mass (something we increasingly struggle with as we get older), as well as burn off the excess fat that puts us at risk of heart disease and other serious health problems. Weight training can be adapted to any level of ability, and you don’t even need to buy weights. Simply using your body weight in exercises like sit-ups, squats, push-ups and pull-ups is usually enough.

#3 – Aerobics

This is a popular form of cardio exercise that really gets your heart pumping. It’s great for anyone who likes a high-energy workout filled with music, fun routines to follow, and excitement. It’s also easy to do at home! There are loads of trainers offering at-home aerobics sessions over YouTube or other video streaming services, ranging from beginner to advanced classes, and some are even free.

#4 – Stair work

If you live in a two-story home or an apartment, this is a great and easy way to get in an effective, heart-healthy workout. You can also use a stair machine if you don’t have easy access to stairs on your property. Aim for 50-85% of your maximum heart rate (subtract your age from 220 for a general indication of your maximum heart rate) while you’re climbing up and down the stairs to get the most effect. You’ll also notice your leg muscles getting stronger as an added bonus!

#5 – Walking

Okay, so this one is a bit of a cheat – you can do it inside using a treadmill, but walking outside has more benefits! A brisk walk, whether it’s in your local neighborhood or park, is just what your heart needs. Try to walk at a quick pace, taking even strides and mixing it up with hills and different terrain to keep it challenging. A 30 minute brisk walk can burn up to 300 calories, as well as give your heart some healthy exercise. If you are worried about getting bored, put on your favorite music, podcast or audio book, or walk with others. Just remember to get a good pair of supportive walking sneakers or shoes, so that your joints are well-supported.

Maximize your health and wellness at a NJ senior living community

It can be tough to stay motivated when working out from home. Not to mention, if you are in your senior years, it’s important to consult your primary physician before performing any new exercises that may do more harm than good. 

At United Methodist Communities at The Shores, our associates prioritize the wellness of every resident with regular exercise programs and 24-hour health monitoring if needed. Supporting heart health by sharing information and raising awareness is also an important part of what we do. We’re focused on promoting cardiac health in order to minimize the risk of heart disease and other complex cardiac conditions that are common for seniors today. 

To find out more about our senior wellness services, including our best health and safety practices for COVID-19, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/services/ 

Original content posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/blog/5-at-home-workouts-to-boost-heart-health/

How to Manage Your Loved One’s Care While Socially Distant

 

Staying away from mom and dad is tough, but you want to prioritize their health, safety and care while the pandemic continues. Living far away from your folks can also add to the challenge of caring for them. Now might be a great time to consider in-home care or assisted living options nearby to ensure their care is properly managed at all times.

Here are some tips from our assisted living team in Cape May County, NJ, to best manage your parent’s care from a distance.

#1 – Stay in touch

One of the biggest challenges during this pandemic is maintaining our mental and physical health. It’s essential that loved ones stay in touch with their senior loved ones, whatever way they can. Fortunately, with video chat options like Zoom and Skype, it’s easy to chat and see each other as often as you’d like completely risk-free.

For anyone without access to a smartphone or tablet, regular phone calls are just as good. Regular catch-ups or even a quick call once a day to check in are ideal – and they’ll help you cope with your concern for them too.

#2 – Drive by

It sounds like a funny idea, but a quick drive by when you are in the area is a great way to check on your loved one! Let them know by phone when to expect you, and drive by their home at the appointed time.

Stay physically distant, wave, blow kisses and tell them you love them. Sanitize any care packages thoroughly, and place them by the door for pick up while your loved one is inside. People have gotten so creative with this option, organizing funny parades with music and noisemakers, having socially-distant drive-by birthday parties, and just having a great time!

#3 – Create a network

It takes a village to look after senior loved ones, and the pandemic has really highlighted this! Don’t try to take it all on alone, especially if you live far away from your parents. Have a Zoom or Skype chat with other family members (especially those nearby), get to know your parent’s neighbors and even get some professional help if needed.

Having an organized network to share the load is beneficial to everyone, especially your parents. Neighbors can keep an eye on the house and let you know if they have any concerns, family members can take different days of the week to call your parents or deliver groceries/medications, and together you can make caregiving a lot easier and more effective.

#4 – Have a plan

No one wants to face an emergency, but it’s important for their wellbeing and your peace of mind that everyone knows what to do if one does. Whether it’s a fall, a possible COVID-19 exposure or anything else, you and your parents need to have a set plan in place to cope with it.

This should include contact numbers for doctors or healthcare professionals, knowledge of the symptoms of COVID-19 (especially important ones like shortness of breath or chest pain), and having an emergency healthcare kit at home complete with other important contact numbers, health information, insurance details and an updated list of medications. This will ensure that health care emergencies are taken care of as quickly and effectively as possible, and that the right people are contacted to keep you informed.

#5 – Consider assisted living

Going into assisted living is a big step for families and it is often a difficult decision to make, especially during an on-going pandemic. However, these communities are often very different from what everyone imagines! United Methodist Communities at The Shores is a safe community that supports senior health and independence in true comfort. 

Our team responded quickly to COVID-19 with industry-leading health and safety protocols for residents, associates, vendors, and visitors to follow. We also understand that responding to this virus is much more than just enhanced health and safety measures. It’s also important to keep our residents engaged and connected to the outside world through means of socially distant activities and video streaming services.

At The Shores, our aim is to create a community where quality of life for seniors comes first – really, we’re working to create a home. Contact us today to find out more about our senior care services, or visit our website at: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/services/

Original content posted on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/how-to-manage-your-loved-ones-care-while-socially-distant/