The Jersey Shore in November – Still Active!

One of the best-kept secrets about Ocean City, New Jersey is that it has so much to offer even in the coldest and quietest months of the year. Year-round activity makes it such a great place for seniors and families, and also for residents at  The Shores,  one of the best assisted living communities in Cape May County! Here’s some ideas for what to do at the Jersey Shore in November.

Midcentury New Jersey: The Garden State in the 1950s

Ready for a real blast from the past? Come and explore what the Garden State was like in the Atomic age! This trip down memory lane is a perfect event for families to share with senior loved ones, exploring what the USA looked like back in the day. It’s hosted at the Cornelius Low House/Middlesex County Museum, one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the state, and admission is free!

Ask a Geologist: Geologic Wonders of Iceland

Are your parents fans of the natural world and adventurous travel? Get to know the wonders of Iceland’s unique and stunning geology with a one-on-one presentation from a leading specialist, Dr. Tamie Jovanelly, Associate Professor of Geology at Berry College. This is an online event, so you don’t have to go far, and there’s a Live Q&A after the talk, too. You can tune in on a smart TV, laptop or tablet by visiting this website on November 6th from 1:00pm – 2:00pm.

Apple Picking

In Cape May County, you can still go apple picking in November at some wonderful local farms. You’ll support the community, have a great day out together and enjoy delicious treats like hot apple cider, home baked goods and, of course, apple pies! You can also pick up loads of fresh local produce and eat out, as most of the farms have restaurants and stalls. Stiles Farm and Nursery and the Allen Family Farm are some of the best spots to visit, offering fun for all ages. 

Fall Crafts and Collectables

This event is a must for anyone who loves local crafts and collectables. It is due to be held on November 13th at the Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave., from 10am-4pm. Spend a day with your family finding Thanksgiving and Christmas décor, gifts and goodies, as well as beautiful items for your home. If you’re looking for even more seasonal crafts, then check out the holiday crafts and collectables event on November 26th and 27th at the same venue.

Plan Carefully Due to COVID-19

Before you plan your day trip out with your family and loved ones, it is essential to confirm that the event is currently taking place. Due to COVID-19, there’s a lot of uncertainty whether or not public events can be held, so they may be cancelled at short notice. In addition, remember to follow important social distancing and hygiene procedures while you are out around Cape May County, and wear a mask! 

At The Shores, we know just how lucky we are to be in beautiful Cape May County. With the many activities the area offers for seniors and families, and our own unique geographic access to the beach, bay, boardwalk, and recreational areas, our assisted living community really does offer residents great quality of life, even in November. Just remember to wrap up well and treat yourself to a nice, hot cocoa, and you’ll have the time of your life!

To find out more about our assisted living community in Cape May County, please give us a call or visit our website today. 

Originally posted: https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/the-jersey-shore-in-november/

How to Prepare to Care for Aging Parents

As we get older, so many of us make the transition from being cared for by our parents to becoming the caregivers. As our parents age, we take on more and more responsibility for their medical care and general wellbeing. If you’re reaching that point now, here are some tips from our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ, on how to get ready for this new life stage:

• Communicate early on. Talking about elder care doesn’t need to be a serious and lengthy conversation from the start, and you don’t need to take on everything yourself. Instead, chat with parents early on about what they envision for themselves and what you can do to help them achieve their plan. This gives you an idea of what they expect without placing all the pressure on your shoulders in an instant.
• Gather information. When care decisions aren’t urgent, it’s the perfect time to make sure that all the necessary information you’d need to make care decisions is organized and at hand. This means gathering insurance and finance information, making copies of parents’ insurance policies, benefits, Medicare coverage, and retirement accounts, as well as contact information for their doctors.
• Legal preparation. It’s important for your parents to have legal documentation in place to determine their care and wishes, and that you are aware of what these documents contain. Some important documents include an up-to-date Last Will and Testament, Living Wills (these determine end-of-life and healthcare wishes), and durable power of attorney documents that determine medical and financial decisions in the event of incapacity.
• Financial planning. Elder care costs can be significant, so it’s important to know where your parents stand financially and what you can do to help minimize the impact of these costs. This includes developing a financial plan to pay for healthcare, housing or caregiving, as well as Medicare planning.
• Research your options. Thinking about caring for your elderly parents can be overwhelming — after all, most people have little personal experience in this area. Research is key in not only understanding the costs and planning involved in caregiving, but also in understanding and discovering the care options available.

Affordable independent style living for seniors at our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ

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

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

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/prepare-care-aging-parents/

Why choose an assisted living community in 2017?

It’s a brand new year and, for many seniors, now is the right time to start making plans for the future. The idea of moving from their family home into assisted living is a daunting one, but there are solutions designed to not only reduce the strain of moving, but actually deliver real quality-of-life benefits at the same time. Collingswood assisted living community in Camden County, NJ is one of them! A move like this can bring positive changes to your life in 2017:

• Independence: Many seniors worry that leaving their home for a senior or assisted living community means giving up their independence – but the truth is quite the opposite. Our communities actually encourage independence as much as possible by removing the inconveniences of everyday life like home and yard maintenance, thereby freeing your time to socialize, explore your interests and enjoy life.
• One move is all it takes: Our communities have a philosophy of “aging in place,” which focuses on keeping your residential apartment as your home for as long as you can be safe, even as your health and medical needs change. With onsite skilled nursing as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and hospice care programs, you will have the comfort and familiar surroundings of your own home for as long as possible.
• Great amenities and community spirit: For many seniors, aging can become very lonely as family members move away, friends move away, and getting out becomes more difficult. Assisted living communities actively work to ensure that residents’ social and spiritual needs are met, in addition to lifestyle and health requirements. With a busy social calendar, classes, clubs and onsite transport, you can enjoy an enriching and stimulating life that incorporates your hobbies and interests.
• Onsite access to health specialists: Health and wellness are a priority in our assisted living community, so residents are assured access to  wellness and health specialists. This includes trained physiologists, who run fitness classes  as well as 24-hour skilled nursing.

Assisted living for seniors at our Camden County, NJ community (H2)

Collingswood is part of United Methodist Communities, a network of senior living and assisted living facilities specializing in high quality care and support. Our senior living community in Camden County, NJ, is known for its beautiful setting, spacious residential apartments and wide range of resident services. With qualified and experienced nursing, therapy and management staff on hand to provide expert assistance, residents enjoy all the benefits of assisted living for seniors..

In addition to our assisted living facilities, we also offer a range of long term care services, including hospice and palliative care, short term rehabilitation and respite care.

To find out more about United Methodist Communities and our assisted living services, please contact us and schedule your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/choose-assisted-living-community-2017/

When a cure is no longer possible

In a world where death is a fact of life, conversations around passing on are still incredibly difficult to have — and yet, it is so important to ensure the proper services are in place to support, care and comfort  each and every person during this time. Our hospice program, Bridges, at our Jersey Shore community is here to deliver just that.

When is hospice care the right choice? 

No one wants their loved one to go into hospice care before it’s necessary. So it’s important to arrange medical care and assisted living services, which can be increased as the patient’s needs change. However, once a cure is no longer possible, hospice is there to seamlessly take over.

In order to access hospice care, two physicians (one of whom can be a hospice physician) must agree that the patient’s treatment has to change to a focus on end-of-life care. The process can then begin, determining a customized care and support plan that best prioritizes the patient’s specific needs and requests.

What is included in hospice services? 

As with our assisted living services, Bridges is focused on quality of life and are customized to suit each individual. They include:

• 24-hour carefrom certified caregivers
• Medication management
• Personalized care plan
• Family and spiritual support

In addition, Bridges offers patients private one-bedroom comfortably furnished apartments, including linens, WiFi and more. A customized dining program will be developed for your loved one and food will be available 24/7 in the family room.

Spiritual support, expert care and comfort at our hospice in Cape May County, NJ 

United Methodist Communities at The Shores, a senior and assisted living facility, offers superior end-of-life care for our patients through Bridges. With an emphasis on creating a nurturing and comforting environment, we offer customized services that not only support your loved one, but you and your family as well.

To find out more about Bridges, our hospice facility or our assisted living community in South Jersey, please contact us today and organize your visit.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/cure-no-longer-possible/

Travelling with your elderly loved ones this Thanksgiving holiday

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family, but this may mean travelling with an elderly loved one, which can make your trip more challenging. Here are some tips from caregivers at one of our senior and assisted living communities in New Jersey on making this an easy and enjoyable time for everyone.

• Plan ahead: Having a set itinerary for your trip will allow you and your loved one peace-of-mind. Know exactly what time you have to leave to the airport or get on the road to get to your destination – and be sure to plan to arrive early, as this gives you some extra time to deal with any unforeseen delays.
• Flying: Airlines are happy to accommodate elderly passengers but be sure to take time to find out how best to travel with your loved one. Speak to the airline in advance to organize assistance through TSA checkpoints, secure a wheelchair (a good option even if your loved one is fairly mobile), oxygen (if needed), and a seat that is suited to elderly or disabled passengers. Some airlines even offer discounted tickets for seniors.
• Medication: Keep all medications separately in a single freezer bag along with a list of their names and instructions for use. This is helpful for families who are unused to managing medications as well as doctors, in the event that medical assistance is needed. If you are flying, you will have to keep these stored in transparent 3-ounce. containers for security purposes. Be sure to check out the medical facilities closest to your destination.
• Light schedule: Busy days filled with events are often stressful and tiring for the elderly, so make sure to either keep a very light schedule of events or ensure that your loved one can have plenty of supervised recovery time while you and other family members are out.
• Relax and enjoy: Travelling can be stressful for anyone, regardless of your age, so take time to relax and enjoy your trip. It’s important to make the most of these events together, but that doesn’t mean taking on everything yourself. Spread the load between family members and friends, and remember to spend quality time simply enjoying each other’s company.

Aging in place at our beautiful assisted living community in New Jersey 

United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen, an assisted living community in Sussex County, New Jersey, offers seniors independence, comfort and a vibrant social life along with high quality careFounded on a philosophy of aging in place, our residents benefit from a less restrictive care model where they can remain in their residential apartments to access additional services if their needs change.

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

Contact us to find out more about our assisted living facilities, and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/travelling-elderly-loved-ones-thanksgiving-holiday/

Financial Planning Tips for Retired Seniors

It’s no secret that retiring costs money. Not only do you have to be prepared for rising expenses and the eventual costs of assisted living services, but also you need to ensure that your money is protected from scams and spent within a realistic budget. Here are some helpful tips on financial planning for seniors from a leading assisted living facility in south New Jersey.

1. Cover all of your bases: When making a financial plan, be sure to consider your current and future living expenses, current and future sources of income (including benefits), the current and future value of assets, tax planning, insurance, and investments.
2. Get professional help: Financial planning can be complex, especially if you don’t have a background in finance or have managed your finances without professionals. However, it is essential that you get help from a qualified, reliable professional to ensure that your money remains safe and secure. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s website helps explain what each qualification means and how to select a financial advisor.
3. Prepare for the worst case scenario: No one likes to think there will be a time when they will be unable to manage their finances, but it’s always best to prepare just in case. Have a list of the financial institutions you use along with account numbers and keep it in a safe place that is accessible by a trusted family member in emergencies. Consider hiring an estate planning attorney to draw a financial Power of Attorney document that puts your finances in the hands of someone you trust in case you are unable to manage them yourself. You can also work with your bank to add a co-owner to one or more of your accounts – but again, extend the privilege to someone reliable and trustworthy, as they will be able to withdraw from your account.
4. Be on the lookout for fraud: Seniors are a target for con artists, scams and fraud – whether from family members and caregivers or from professional fraudsters. Some indicators of fraudulent activity include unsolicited requests to pay a sum of money for an emergency situation or before receiving goods or services; any unsolicited requests for your bank account number, social security number or PIN; and investments that promise an excessively high return. Even financially savvy people can fall victim to fraud, so keep a close eye on your accounts, credit card bills and bank statements, and report anything suspicious as soon as possible.

High value assisted living in South New Jersey
United Methodist Communities at The Shores, a well-appointed residential assisted living community in southern New Jersey, offers customized services ranging from independent living to short-term rehabilitation, respite, and hospice and palliative care. Our dedicated team is happy to work with you to discuss assisted living costs and the services we offer.
To find out more about our individualized assisted living services and our senior living community, please contact us today and organize a visit.
This content was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/blog/financial-planning-tips-retired-seniors/.

Getting to know associate roles at a senior living facility

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

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

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

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

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

6 age-related eye conditions you need to know about

As we age, it’s common for our vision to change. With the right care, these changes can be properly managed and treated so that they don’t have a significant effect on your daily life. Read on for useful eye care advice from senior living specialists in Camden County, New Jersey.

Common senior eye health issues 

1. Glaucoma: Seniors are at higher risk of developing glaucoma, a group of diseases that cause damage to the eye’s optic nerve. Usually related to high pressure within the fluid of the eye, this serious condition can result in vision loss and blindness. The best way to control this disease is through early detection.
2. Dry eye: If you are experiencing burning, gritty, watery and generally irritated eyes, then you may have dry eye syndrome. This results from  insufficient tears or poor quality tears that can’t properly lubricate the eye. Your eye doctor will be able to prescribe the right eye drops to restore comfort and protect your vision.
3. Age-related macular degeneration: This disease causes the macula (the part of your eye that sees fine details and colors) to deteriorate. This will cause your central vision to worsen (making reading, watching TV and fine work like embroidery difficult) but does not effect your peripheral vision. Early detection is essential to controlling this disease and reducing severe permanent damage.
4. Presbyopia: This condition causes the lens of your eye to harden and/or the muscles around the eye to lose elasticity, resulting in difficulty when focusing on close-up objects. Your eye doctor can prescribe a variety of treatments including eyeglasses, contact lenses or laser surgery.
5. Retinal detachment: A change in the fluid in your eye can cause your retina (the tissue that senses light) to be pulled from its proper position. This is considered to be a medical emergency and it is essential that you get treatment as quickly as possible to avoid permanent loss of vision. Symptoms to be aware of include a sudden increase in floaters in your vision, light flashes in your eye or the sudden appearance of a curtain over your vision.
6. Cataracts: This is a condition that causes the lens in your eye to become clouded, causing your vision to become foggy and making it more difficult to see, especially at night. Usually, early cataracts can be treated by using eyeglasses and stronger lights while more severe cases can be treated in a very safe surgical procedure.

For seniors, it is more important than ever to visit an optometrist for an eye exam at least once a year. Your doctor will be able to keep a record of your eye health and conditions, advise you on how to keep your eyes healthy and provide specialist treatment for any conditions you may have.

Quality of life is the priority at our senior living facility in Camden County, New Jersey 

United Methodist Communities at Collingswood is dedicated to ensuring that seniors live full, independent lives and are encouraged to participate in our community to the degree they choose.

Our aging in place philosophy aims to help each resident live in their apartment home s long as possible, maintaining their dignity and comfort, while ensuring that care is available when needed. Our services are fully scalable to offer our residents the level of support they prefer, and include everything from meal preparation and housekeeping to medical reminders, medication assistance and skilled nurses on site 24/7.

For more information on Collingswood and our other New Jersey communities, please contact us today and request a personal tour.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/6-age-related-eye-conditions-you-need-to-know-about/

How to choose a continuing care retirement community location

After you have decided that a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is the right option for you or a senior family member, the next step is to consider the right location. Here are some tips from a leading senior living community in Sussex County.

• Services and facilities: The community you choose should offer you the best quality of life above everything else – these are your golden years, after all. It’s important to consider if and how they can scale up their services as your needs change. You don’t want meal services to be compulsory if you’re enjoying cooking for yourself and, at the same time, you want to be sure that they can handle your advanced long-term care if it becomes necessary.
• Homey living arrangements: When looking at these communities, consider how you would like your home to be. One of the factors in making this transition may have been that your family home was too large, so a self-contained, spacious apartment might be just what you’re looking for. Also, make sure that the living area is spacious, well-lit and well maintained. This shows the ability to easily accommodate walkers or wheelchairs if needed and that the community takes pride in keeping the buildings fully functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Town or country living: The setting of different CCRCs have their own pros and cons. Country locations may have beautiful scenery, but could leave you feeling isolated and make transport and day trips difficult. Town settings offer additional vibrancy, giving you easy access to shops, restaurants, theatres and parks, allowing you to live an independent and full life.
• Distance from family: For many people, being close to their family is a must – and it’s certainly something to consider when choosing a CCRC. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to choose a community just down the street. Be sure to consider communities that are slightly further afield, as these may meet your needs better while still making it easy for family and friends to visit.

Choose United Methodist Communities Bristol Glen for independent senior living 

United Methodist Communities at Bristol Glen, offers an independent, high quality lifestyle that allows seniors to fully enjoy their golden years. As a full service community, we are able to scale our services to the right level of support as you age. In addition to our services for independent seniors, we also offer assisted living and memory care services.

For more information on our continuing care retirement community or our services, please contact us today or visit www.bristolglen.umcommunities.org.

This content was originally posted at https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-to-choose-a-continuing-care-retirement-community-location/

Respite care services for post-operative seniors

If your mother, father or loved one has recently been discharged after surgery or hospital treatment or is ready to be released from short-term rehabilitation but is not yet ready to return home, then respite care services may be just what you need.

Hospitals are designed to treat patients until they are able to care for themselves or at least manage with a little help. This becomes more of an issue when the patient is an older adult who relies on a family caregiver for assistance. While taking care of your loved one may be perfectly manageable when they are healthy and strong, this could be a completely different story when they are recovering from treatment. Their mobility might be compromised, as well as their ability to do daily tasks, clean and bathe and remember to take certain medications at particular times.

Respite care offers a solution through temporary professional care tailored to your loved one’s needs. This includes:

• Accommodation in a spacious senior residential apartment.
• Licensed nursing staff available 24-hours a day.
• Assistance with all daily tasks including preparation of meals, medication assistance, health monitoring and personal care.
• Delicious meals.
• Housekeeping services.
• Access to daily programs, events and social outings.
• Trained therapists to assist with physical, occupational and speech therapies if needed.

These respite services are available for as long as they are required and can change according to your loved one’s needs. Respite care is also available for caregivers who need a safe and secure environment for their loved one while they take a much-needed break or family holiday. This is key to managing stress levels and keeping yourself well taken care of, refreshed and recharged.

Respite care services from compassionate caregivers in New Jersey 

At Francis Asbury Manor, a United Methodist Home of New Jersey community, we offer full respite services for seniors recovering from an illness, hospital stay or requiring reliable short-term caregiving services.

Our residential community is open and friendly, ready to welcome your loved one into our family. With an emphasis on maintaining an independent and full lifestyle, we ensure that all of our seniors have the professional care, companionship and entertainment to fully enjoy their stay with us.

For more information on our respite care services, please contact us today or visit www.umh-nj.org.

This content was originally posted at: http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/respite-care-services-for-post-operative-seniors/

A guide to senior and assisted living apartment layouts

One of the greatest benefits of assisted living communities is the residential  lifestyle offered. Find out why from United Methodist Homes (UMH) of New Jersey:

• Downsize in comfort: Many seniors choose to move into assisted living because their current home is simply too big for them to maintain and live in comfortably. Rather than downsizing to a small apartment in a condo or development,  an assisted living community is chosen because it offers a spacious high quality alternative complete with all the essentials  needed to continue enjoy a wonderful lifestyle..
• Space to move: Senior and assisted living apartment homes are designed specifically with older adults’ needs in mind. All on one level with spacious rooms and doorways that can easily accommodate walkers and wheelchairs, these apartments allow easy movement from room to room.
• No tripping hazards: Falls are a serious health concern for seniors, so actively preventing them are a priority for senior living communities. With grab-bars in bathrooms, non-slip flooring surfaces and great lighting in every room, these apartments are optimized for safety without sacrificing their lovely homey feel.
• Maintenance-free: With trusted on-site maintenance teams dedicated to keeping the apartments in perfect condition, you never have to worry about the hassles, expenses and risks of home maintenance. From changing light bulbs to fixing flooring, plumbing and electrical issues, their professional team will take care of everything.
• Security alerts: One of the biggest worries for seniors and their families is the potential for an emergency to occur when they are home alone. In assisted living communities, apartments are set up with 24-hour security and medical alert alarms, as well as smoke detectors to help ensure the health and safety of residents. These systems are effective and regularly tested as well as unobtrusive, so your home is kept secure as well as attractive and cozy.

Assisted living services for seniors in New Jersey 

At UMH Collingswood Manor in Camden County, your comfort and health is our priority. Our assisted living community and services are designed to take care of daily tasks so that you can enjoy a full and independent life. With a lively spirit, beautifully kept gardens and cheerful, compassionate staff, we pride ourselves on putting the wellbeing and happiness of our residents first.

Our residential programs and living options are designed to assist your loved one only when they require it, and to scale these services at any point if they require a lower or higher level of care.

Collingswood Manor in Camden County, NJ also serves residents of Gloucester County, Salem County, Cumberland County and Atlantic County and especially the towns of Collingswood, Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester, Pennsauken, Voorhees Township, and Winslow Township, New Jersey.

For more information, please contact UMH Collingswood Manor today and ask about our assisted living program or visit http://www.collingswood-manor.umh-nj.org/.

This content was originally posted at http://www.umh-nj.org/blog/a-guide-to-senior-and-assisted-living-apartment-layouts/