The Benefits of Senior Living Communities

Senior living communities have become popular for people over 65 who want to spend their later years in a safe, nurturing, and exciting setting. These communities provide various services and amenities to enhance seniors’ quality of life. They cater to the preferences of older adults by offering things like low-maintenance apartment living, individualized care, safety measures, security personnel, and a strong focus on nutrition. At United Methodist Communities (UMC), our team understands the unique needs of seniors and provides a range of programs to meet those needs. If you or a loved one are considering moving into a senior living community, here are the main benefits that are just too good to pass up on – especially at one of our full-service communities in New Jersey. 

Senior Living Apartments Require Little Upkeep

At senior living communities like those at UMC,  taxing home maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, and addressing repairs, are no longer the seniors’ responsibility! Community staff  will be fully capable of handling these duties, allowing residents to enjoy a more hassle-free lifestyle.  The best part is, with all this newfound free time, residents can now devote it to activities and interests that they actually care about – how great is that? 

Some services UMC offers that support a minimal maintenance way of living include medication management, meal preparation, light housework, and helping residents get dressed and ready for the day.

Personal Care Provided by Onsite Professionals

Each person has specific requirements and preferences when it comes to their daily routine. As we mentioned earlier, residents of senior living communities have access to individualized care plans and support services tailored to their unique needs.

Our healthcare professionals and licensed caregivers at United Methodist Communities are educated to deliver competent and compassionate care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if necessary. Our committed team members ensure that residents receive the care they require, whether it is assistance with daily tasks like bathing and dressing or more specialized care for dementia and other memory loss conditions. Our dedication to best practices in nursing means that people with different levels of abilities are not only welcomed – they are supported every day. 

Security & Safety Measures in All Senior Apartments

Senior living communities are built with safety and security in mind because it’s a top concern for both seniors and their family members. Families want to know that their loved one in senior living is accounted for and safe at all times.  

UMC prioritizes  safety and security by installing emergency call systems or enabled Amazon Echo devices in every residence in our neighborhoods. There are also grab bars in every bathroom and wheelchair-accessible exits throughout each UMC building. Devoted, skilled staff members are on hand to manage crises and offer timely support when required. That way, residents can unwind and confidently and independently enjoy their daily activities knowing that help is only a phone call away.

Nutritional Focus Maintained with Senior Dining Services and Exercise Options

Senior living communities that prioritize independence for their residents truly understand the importance of a well-rounded diet and exercise routine for each person in their care. While that may look different from resident to resident, resources often include professional chefs and dining services. At UMC, our Dining Services teams provide wholesome meals that are delicious and can be modified to suit any dietary requirement. 

Another major component to ensure overall health is by offering different options to keep moving. As part of our all-encompassing strategy for senior health and independence, United Methodist Communities is devoted to promoting physical activity. Some of our exercise options include working out in our fitness center with the guidance of a licensed caregiver or joining group movement classes like yoga and Zumba. 

To learn more about what our full service senior living communities in New Jersey have to offer, please reach out today. You could also visit our website to uncover all of the benefits of senior living with UMC: https://umcommunities.org/

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

How to Cope With Sandwich Generation Stress

The sandwich generation refers to middle-aged adults, usually in their 40s and 50s, who find themselves sandwiched between the responsibilities of caring for their elderly parents and their own children. Many of us who have watched our parents get older have found that the caregiver role reverses over time, and we realize our senior parents increasingly need our support as they age. 

Caring for your elderly parents – while caring for your children – while also working a full-time or part-time job – while also managing your home – can be very, very overwhelming. Caregiver burnout is widespread among the sandwich generation, so you must take time for yourself and utilize your support networks. Here are some different ways to cope compiled by our assisted living coordinators at United Methodist Communities:

Get Support – Consider UMC HomeWorks

Our UMC HomeWorks senior home care service can be very beneficial for those who live locally, especially if your elderly parents don’t live with you. A certified home health aide can visit your parents on a regular basis and assist in the following areas:

• Medication management
• Shopping
• Exercise
• Companionship
• Light housekeeping
• Cooking

Whether your elderly parents need someone to visit daily or to stop by once a week, one of our home health aides will work with you to give your parents the support and care they need in their home. This assistance can help free up some of your time while also giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your parents are in good hands when you can’t be there. 

Remember to Take Some Time for Yourself

It’s the age-old question: who takes care of the caregiver? Although it’s easier said than done, it’s important that you take some time for yourself to decompress, relax, and give yourself a chance to clear your mind. Caregiver burnout can negatively impact your physical, mental, and emotional health, and you can’t properly take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. 

Your Family Can Help

If you have other family members who live nearby, get together and make a schedule to ensure that everyone is pitching in equally. It’s unfair if most caregiving responsibilities fall to one person, so don’t be hesitant to ask for help and support when you need it. Some parents are reluctant to involve their children in caring for their grandparents, but once their children are adults, they should be able to share in the responsibility. 

Prepare Financially

Many sandwich generation adults find that their caregiving responsibilities for their children and parents interfere with their ability to work full-time. If this is true for you, and you have a spouse who works full-time, it’s important to meet with a financial planner who can help you set budget goals. We also recommend meeting with your parents’ financial advisor, who can help you plan for any future care they might need, including changes in health and mobility. Be sure to check Benefits Checkup to learn if your parents qualify for any assistance programs in your area. 

Live a Healthier Lifestyle

Stress can lead us to engage in unhealthy behaviors like drinking alcohol, smoking, and increasing our junk food intake. It’s critical to be mindful of your daily choices, ensure you’re drinking enough water, moderate your alcohol intake, get adequate sleep, and exercise regularly to feel your very best. When we’re healthy, hydrated, and properly nourished, we are better able to manage stress and all of the daily tasks that life throws at us. 

If you need help or support with caring for your elderly parents, or if you have any questions about our senior living communities in NJ, please visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/umc-corp/blog/sandwich-generation-stress/

How to Cope with Winter Depression

Staying healthy during the winter can be a challenge for anyone, but can be especially difficult for older adults with compromised immune systems, limited mobility, or a less than clear state of mind. Did you know the changing of seasons has a tangible effect on your mental wellbeing? Winter depression, or seasonal affective disorder, is a very real thing. In this article, we will go over what winter depression is, why seniors are more likely to experience it, and methods to help them avoid or manage it.

What is Winter Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?

This is a type of depression that is brought on by the changing of seasons, usually starting in the fall and continuing into winter – hence the alternate name: winter depression. Surprisingly enough, there are some seniors who experience this seasonal depression starting in the spring and continuing into summer, but it is much less common. The most notable symptoms for winter depression are:

• Feeling sad or down most of the day, especially on a particularly cold or gloomy day
• Oversleeping, or not wanting to get out of bed in the morning
• Overeating, weight gain, and specific cravings for carbohydrates
• Low energy and tiredness
• Feelings of guilt for losing interest in beloved activities and not accomplishing more throughout the day

It’s important to note, there is a significant difference between the “winter blues” and winter depression.  Occasionally feeling a bit sad when it gets colder and darker is expected, while true winter depression results in a severe lack of motivation and can leave people feeling down for at least several days at a time. If you are noticing these changes in your senior loved one, as well as changed patterns in their sleeping, appetite or alcohol consumption – it is time to alert their primary care physician.

Why are Seniors More Susceptible to Winter Depression?

Seniors can be more susceptible to winter depression for two major reasons. One being their aversion or sensitivity to the cold, and the other, perhaps most important reason being their lack of social connections. Checking in on your senior loved one should be a top priority during the cold winter months, especially if they are living alone. If you are afraid your senior parent is a candidate for winter depression, there are ways to keep this disorder at bay.

Methods to Avoid Winter Depression in Seniors

Encourage seniors to eat healthily. If your loved one is struggling with meal preparation in the winter, try to choose frozen vegetables over canned, and encourage them to eat plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables like cranberries, citrus, and pomegranates. They should also include fish, poultry, and eggs into their diet for healthy, lean protein on a daily basis. If mom or dad struggle with getting their groceries in darker, colder, or wintry weather, see if family or friends are able to help with the shopping or get them set up for online grocery delivery.

Take their vitamins daily. Seniors tend to be more vitamin D deficient in the colder weather, due to lack of sun exposure by staying indoors more often. Daily vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and fish oil tablets are all good supplements to have on hand for your loved one.

Exercise outdoors with precautions. If your loved one’s healthcare provider gives the go-ahead, there’s no reason why they can’t continue exercising outdoors with a few precautions. Ensure they wear proper footwear to prevent slips and falls, layer warm clothing, and be sure check the weather before heading outside.

Stay in touch. As we briefly mentioned, it can be easy for seniors to withdraw and become isolated during the winter. This is because it requires more effort to leave the house and socialize with others in cold weather conditions. Watch out for these symptoms in your loved ones and keep them at bay by arranging a daily check-in system with nearby family and friends.

Join a senior community. Moving is no easy feat, but it may just be the best option for your loved one’s state of mind. Living in a senior community, surrounded by peers who enjoy the same interests and friendly staff who encourage residents to get involved with the many activities available, will encourage your loved one to create and maintain social connections. Living in a community setting is especially beneficial during winter, because residents do not have to leave their nice, warm building to engage in social activities.

Independent lifestyles with meaningful connection in beautiful Pitman, New Jersey

UMC at Pitman is part of United Methodist Communities, a network of senior living communities specializing in high quality care and support for older adults. Our community in Gloucester County, NJ, is known for its spacious residential apartments and wide range of amenities available all year round for residents. With experienced caregivers on hand to provide assistance around the clock, residents enjoy all the benefits of living independently. Our aim is to encourage residents to “age in place,” through the comfort of familiar surroundings, expert care, and many opportunities to socialize with people who share the same passions in life.

For more information about independent lifestyles at UMC at Pitman, or if you have questions about social activities for seniors in Gloucester County, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/pitman/

This blog was originally published at https://umcommunities.org/pitman/blog/how-to-cope-with-winter-depression/

3 major steps towards choosing the right assisted living community

Choosing the right assisted living community for your older loved one is not a decision to make lightly. If you’ve ever tried to have the assisted living conversation with your senior parents, you’ve probably encountered some resistance or even flat out denial that they would benefit from a senior community. Unfortunately, outdated notions around loss of independence or rigid schedules in senior living communities are still commonly believed.

The good news is that modern assisted living communities are full of independent, vibrant older adults who are living life to the fullest! If it’s time for you to choose a senior community for your loved one, we’ve outlined three important steps to take that can help you make the best decision for them, as well as your family. 

How to determine your loved one’s senior living needs

There are different levels of care within assisted living communities, including:

• Independent living – Great for seniors who don’t need daily medical assistance and who don’t have major mobility issues. Independent living communities offer light housekeeping, help with laundry, a communal dining area for meals with friends, social and cultural activities, group excursions and events – to name just a few amenities. 
• Assisted living – In assisted living communities, residents can receive around-the-clock care with things like dressing, bathing, medication management and getting from one place to another. Many of these communities also offer on-site physical therapy, weekly events for the whole family to join in on, and group activities like yoga, dance and meditation. 
• Memory care – Designed for people with dementia conditions, memory care communities are secure, safe spaces that encourage residents to socialize, try new things, strengthen cognitive function and form new memories. Memory care advisors are trained in the latest dementia care practices and residents are supervised at all times in dementia-friendly spaces. 

Narrowing down a senior living location

Once you’ve decided what type of senior living community is best for your loved one, it’s time to look at locations and ask some questions: Where does your family live? What are your loved one’s favorite neighborhoods? Is there a senior living community close to where they live now? What places does their doctor recommend? Is it important that they live in a community with a continuum of care?

Of course it’s ideal to choose a location that allows for frequent family visits, but be sure to consult with your family members and your loved one before deciding on the best location. You can also ask friends who live in your area for recommendations. 

Plan a Visit to Experience Community Life at UMC

The best way to get a feel for what an assisted living community is like is to visit and take a tour. Many senior living communities will be happy to have you visit so you can see for yourself the amenities, the grounds, the different levels of care provided, the on-site care staff, and most importantly the other residents. 

Pay careful attention and make note of what you see: Do residents look happy and healthy? Are the buildings and the grounds clean? Do you see people socializing and having fun? Are the apartments suitable for your loved one? Does the community seem safe and secure? 

You can also encourage your loved one to participate in a group activity or sit in on a special event, so they can get an idea of what it would be like to live there. Their opinion is the most important, after all, so it’s essential that they feel comfortable and at ease. 

For more information about our full-service assisted living communities across New Jersey, please give us a call today to schedule a personal tour or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/3-major-steps-towards-choosing-the-right-assisted-living-community/