Leslie Newlife

The Benefits of Being Part of a Senior Living Community

seniorliving

While the thought of entering a senior living community, or sending a loved one to live anywhere but their family home, can be a daunting one, it’s important to realize that there are so many choices to make – and a multitude of benefits, and positive experiences, to be found at each.

Choosing the Right Senior Living Community

There are numerous kinds of senior living communities and care facilities available, and all of them offer something different in terms of the services available; independent living communities, for example, enable residents to live comfortably without any obvious intervention, while assisted living facilities encourage seniors to pursue their interests in a safe and nurturing environment, in which individual needs are met. Other types of community include residential care and nursing homes, which provide for those with long-term medical needs, and respite communities that support seniors on a short-term basis.

Though each of these options offer a different type and level of care to residents, each promises overwhelmingly positive experiences for those choosing to live there; from companionship and the opportunity to try something new, to improved nutrition and a reduced risk of depression that may otherwise be precipitated by isolation and boredom; senior living communities have so much to give.

Exploring the Benefits of a Senior Living Community

Although you may already be sold on the idea of life within a senior living community, whether it’s for yourself or a beloved member of your family, there are numerous benefits to be explored prior to making that final decision. The opportunity to join a senior living community is one to be embraced for so many reasons:

  • The Opportunity to Join a Community

The most obvious benefit of relocating to a specialist facility such as those we’ve discussed is the opportunity to join a friendly community; the chance to become a part of a dynamic group of people who no doubt share your outlook on life, or are willing to inspire you with tales of their lives prior to you coming together. Senior living communities introduce companionship and the many advantages of peer-to-peer support, create a sense of safety, and enable residents to rediscover themselves and what it is they love to do, without the pressure of living alone and having to rely on others.

  • An Introduction to Faith or Spirituality

In addition to this opportunity to play an active role within a dynamic community comes the benefit of community spirit, which is often explored via worship, life enriching programs, and sessions in spirituality and faith; residents are able to venture towards elements of faith they may never have considered before, and embark upon a journey that may have seemed so out of reach while they were living independently. Fellowship, such as that offered by The Way International, lies at the heart of so many senior living communities, inspiring residents to explore concepts in more detail, and to embrace their faiths in different ways. The roots of the organization’s fellowship can be found in The Way magazine, which acts as a companion to many of the lessons that can be learned.

  • A Dynamic Array of Activities

Senior living communities aren’t just places to exist when you’re no longer able to take care of yourself at home, but centers at which residents enjoy a new lease of life, and are able to try activities they may never have considered before. While bingo, games evenings, visits from performers, and day trips are often the most popular recreational activities provided, others may include planned fitness programs, wellness sessions such as yoga, dancing and music, and brain-boosting games such as quizzes and puzzles. Activities are offered on a daily and weekly basis, and residents can choose to participate in as little or as much as they wish; the emphasis is on enrichment, health and well-being, and social interactions, as well as fun.

  • A Stress-Free Lifestyle

One of the main reasons for a senior citizen leaving their home and entering an independent or assisted living community is that they’ve found they’re no longer able to keep up with their chores at home, or that they’re finding everyday tasks more difficult than they should; if you’re exploring the potential of such a community, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, then you’re likely to be looking for reassurance that life will continue as normal, but with a little assistance whenever it’s needed.

There’s strong evidence to suggest that social seniors are happier and healthier than those choosing the path of utter independence, and it’s certainly true that such a way of life removes many of the pressures that would otherwise dominate your life. Senior living communities offer safe facilities with an emphasis on security, and banish many responsibilities without removing a sense of independence, e.g., keen gardeners could still tend a plot, yet they won’t be solely responsible for undertaking the hard work.

A move into a senior living community is never a move away from independence or a sense of self, but towards an extended family of people with whom you, or your family member, can share a new set of experiences, and a chance of adventure when you least expect it. With so many types of assisted living available, and numerous venues to choose from, there is no reason why your life shouldn’t begin all over again from the moment you enter.

The Benefits of Being Part of a Senior Living Community

seniorliving

While the thought of entering a senior living community, or sending a loved one to live anywhere but their family home, can be a daunting one, it’s important to realize that there are so many choices to make – and a multitude of benefits, and positive experiences, to be found at each.

Choosing the Right Senior Living Community

There are numerous kinds of senior living communities and care facilities available, and all of them offer something different in terms of the services available; independent living communities, for example, enable residents to live comfortably without any obvious intervention, while assisted living facilities encourage seniors to pursue their interests in a safe and nurturing environment, in which individual needs are met. Other types of community include residential care and nursing homes, which provide for those with long-term medical needs, and respite communities that support seniors on a short-term basis.

Though each of these options offer a different type and level of care to residents, each promises overwhelmingly positive experiences for those choosing to live there; from companionship and the opportunity to try something new, to improved nutrition and a reduced risk of depression that may otherwise be precipitated by isolation and boredom; senior living communities have so much to give.

Exploring the Benefits of a Senior Living Community

Although you may already be sold on the idea of life within a senior living community, whether it’s for yourself or a beloved member of your family, there are numerous benefits to be explored prior to making that final decision. The opportunity to join a senior living community is one to be embraced for so many reasons:

  • The Opportunity to Join a Community

The most obvious benefit of relocating to a specialist facility such as those we’ve discussed is the opportunity to join a friendly community; the chance to become a part of a dynamic group of people who no doubt share your outlook on life, or are willing to inspire you with tales of their lives prior to you coming together. Senior living communities introduce companionship and the many advantages of peer-to-peer support, create a sense of safety, and enable residents to rediscover themselves and what it is they love to do, without the pressure of living alone and having to rely on others.

  • An Introduction to Faith or Spirituality

In addition to this opportunity to play an active role within a dynamic community comes the benefit of community spirit, which is often explored via worship, life enriching programs, and sessions in spirituality and faith; residents are able to venture towards elements of faith they may never have considered before, and embark upon a journey that may have seemed so out of reach while they were living independently. Fellowship, such as that offered by The Way International, lies at the heart of so many senior living communities, inspiring residents to explore concepts in more detail, and to embrace their faiths in different ways. The roots of the organization’s fellowship can be found in The Way magazine, which acts as a companion to many of the lessons that can be learned.

  • A Dynamic Array of Activities

Senior living communities aren’t just places to exist when you’re no longer able to take care of yourself at home, but centers at which residents enjoy a new lease of life, and are able to try activities they may never have considered before. While bingo, games evenings, visits from performers, and day trips are often the most popular recreational activities provided, others may include planned fitness programs, wellness sessions such as yoga, dancing and music, and brain-boosting games such as quizzes and puzzles. Activities are offered on a daily and weekly basis, and residents can choose to participate in as little or as much as they wish; the emphasis is on enrichment, health and well-being, and social interactions, as well as fun.

  • A Stress-Free Lifestyle

One of the main reasons for a senior citizen leaving their home and entering an independent or assisted living community is that they’ve found they’re no longer able to keep up with their chores at home, or that they’re finding everyday tasks more difficult than they should; if you’re exploring the potential of such a community, whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, then you’re likely to be looking for reassurance that life will continue as normal, but with a little assistance whenever it’s needed.

There’s strong evidence to suggest that social seniors are happier and healthier than those choosing the path of utter independence, and it’s certainly true that such a way of life removes many of the pressures that would otherwise dominate your life. Senior living communities offer safe facilities with an emphasis on security, and banish many responsibilities without removing a sense of independence, e.g., keen gardeners could still tend a plot, yet they won’t be solely responsible for undertaking the hard work.

A move into a senior living community is never a move away from independence or a sense of self, but towards an extended family of people with whom you, or your family member, can share a new set of experiences, and a chance of adventure when you least expect it. With so many types of assisted living available, and numerous venues to choose from, there is no reason why your life shouldn’t begin all over again from the moment you enter.

Palliative Care vs Hospice Care Services

The image above is of Hospice Patients by Length of Service in 2014.

Across the United States, palliative care is considered a collaborative approach to medical care for patients receiving curative treatment for the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Hospice care refers to a similar collaborative approach to care and comfort of a patient, but the patient currently is not seeking or receiving curative treatments for their illness.

One of the main goals for both care methods is to improve the quality of life for the patient and their family. Palliative and hospice services bring the patient, family, and caregivers together to make decisions on care and the expectations for treatments.

The biggest differences in palliative and hospice care are typically the location of where a patient receives treatment and the treatment itself. The location will differ as hospice care tends to be provided in a home setting where there is less of a dependence on doctors as curative treatment is not being administered. Patients receiving palliative care services continue to explore life extending treatments and rely more on the day to day monitoring and testing of those treatments.

Aside from location, we also see differences in the treatments provided for patients in hospice and those receiving palliative care. Hospice treatments focus more on the comfort, both mental and physical, of a patient and making the most of their remaining time. Palliative care focuses on addressing the illness and treating to prolong the length of one’s life.

To enroll in a hospice program or receive benefits from an insurance company, recipients must generally be considered terminally ill or be within six months of death. In a study conducted in 2015 by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) over 35 percent of hospice patients remained under hospice for less than 7 days whereas only 10.3 percent remained in hospice over 180 days.

Now that we have defined the differences between the services offered, below we’ll take at local palliative and hospice service providers in Austin, TX and their unique, personalized treatment methods.

Information and data pulled from the Care Givers Library article on Hospice and Palliative Care and the NHPCO’s Facts and Figures – Hospice Care in America 2015 Edition found here.

The Sandwich Generation: Can Families Afford both Senior Living & College?

sandwichgenerations

Can you pay for college and a nursing home? This is a question that is on the minds of many in what is known as the sandwich generation. This means that they are acting as a caregiver for aging parents while also caring for and/or supporting their own children. When their children are ready to head off to college and their loved ones are needing care a support services they are faced with many tough financial decisions. The good news is that there may be funding sources that can reduce out-of-pocket expenses, though some sacrifices may need to be made. Below is research into both senior living and college expenses.

Average senior living and care costs and financing options

This tends to vary by state and by the type and duration of care needed. On average, nursing homes tend to cost approximately $6,200 per month for a semi-private room and $6,900 per month for a private room. An assisted living community may cost an average of $3,200 per month for a one-bedroom unit. If utilizing the services of an adult day care facility, this could cost around $67 per day. There are also many other costs to consider if you and your family decide on home care; This could cost you around $21 per day or more depending on the level of need. For some families, long-term care in their own home is the best option because the costs tend to be lower and they can keep their loved one close by.

Private health insurance and Medicare do not always pay for costs associated with home care. Medicaid, however, does typically cover most costs. The problem with this is that in order to qualify for Medicaid, the patient will have to stay below the poverty line. This means that they may have to get rid of assets that count as income. This could include their home, their vehicle, savings, etc. Some families may opt for long-term care insurance. The problem here is that long-term care insurance often needs to be purchased before the need arises. Many people do not anticipate the need for long-term care until it is too late. This can be a stressful process for many families and requires careful consideration and planning.

Average college costs and financing options 

The cost of college tuition varies by type of school (public vs. private) and by state. There are also many other costs to consider such as meals, housing, textbooks, transportation and many more. The average cost of tuition per year for public colleges and universities can be anywhere between $2,000-$5,000 and double or even triple that for private colleges and universities. The cost of text books and supplies can be as high as $1,200 and room and board could also cost another $5,000-$10,000.

There are many financial aid options available such as student loans, grants and scholarships. Student loans are an option, but will need to be paid back. Grants and scholarships do not need to be paid back. There are many scholarship and grant options available through the college and online through third party websites such as fastweb.com. Many of these scholarship and grant opportunities include an application process that requires the submission of letters of recommendation, personal statements and transcripts. Some colleges also give discounts to students who live in the same state or neighboring states, which can lead to additional savings.

In all, being in the sandwich generation can be difficult; But with proper preparation, financial planning and budgeting you can prepare for the needs of your parents and children.

3 Signs That It May be Time for Your Loved One to Consider Senior Living

Nursinghome

In many cases the last thing that your parent or loved one wants to think about, is moving out of his or her home. But as your loved ones’ age, moving into a senior living community may become a better alternative. Countless seniors live in 55+ or 62+ communities and find that they thrive in them, and you might find that it’s a good option for your family, too.

When it comes to senior living, there are many options. Communities such as Independent Living, Assisted Living and CCRCs, host shared or single apartment units, that make for plenty of privacy and independence. These apartments are specifically designed to be safe for seniors and are handicapped-accessible. Even if your parent does not have any health issues now, having the ability to use a walker, cane or wheelchair easily in their living space can come in handy later. In addition to the 24-hour staff that many of these communities’ host, all units are usually equipped with emergency buttons that seniors can push if they need assistance. Many communities also host many helpful services like transportation, dinning and housekeeping services.

Just a few helpful facts about senior living can make it easy to see why communities can be a great choice for seniors. If you don’t know whether or not it is time for your loved one to consider senior living, here are a few signs to watch for.

1. When living in their own home is starting to be too much of a burden

One of the main reasons seniors thrive after moving into a community is the fact that it can take a lot of work off of them. Keeping up a home can be hard enough for a younger person, and it can be extremely hard for someone who is reaching their golden years. Sometimes seniors don’t want to ask for help, so if you see your loved one not being able to keep up with the chores of maintaining a home don’t ignore it. Moving into a living community can help ease them physically and financially so make sure your paying attention.

2. Your Parent is Lonely

Many seniors get lonely as they get older, especially after they lose a spouse, child, family and friends. Some seniors also lose the ability to drive so they can no longer participate in the activities they once enjoyed. However, when living in a retirement community, seniors are constantly around others who are their age, making it easier for them to make friends and combat loneliness. Most communities also have gym/recreation centers and host social events and activities for seniors to participate and stay active.

3. Your Loved One’s Health is Good but Declining

The old adage says Hindsight is 20/ 20 and this couldn’t be truer for senior living. In many cases families who decide against a living community, because their health isn’t “that bad” often regret it. If your parent or loved one is in declining health, it is important to search out living options that can supplement their needs now rather than later. If your parent is in poor health considering assisted living or a nursing home might be a suitable choice. If your parent is still in good health, but isn’t able to get around as well as he or she used to, a living option like assisted living could work well for their needs.

If any or all of these three things apply to your parent or loved one, it might be time to start considering senior living. Luckily, there are plenty of great communities out there, and you’ll be able to find the right fit for your loved one in no time.

To find out more information about the different senior living options and which communities are in your area, start your search today.

6 Apps That Can Help Seniors Stay in The Loop

Apps for Senior Care

Many people have an image of seniors sitting in an arts and crafts room making popsicle stick bird houses, which is fine if you enjoy that type of living, but seniors can live vibrant lives, enjoying all the things they were too busy to do before they retired! The following Apps are free to download on your tablet or mobile device, and either take some of the busy work out of daily life, or add more fun to it.

Skype 

Talking to loved ones on the phone is nice, but with Skype, seniors can see them too. This App is really convenient for those who have loved ones that don’t live in close proximity. Imagine seniors being able to read a bedtime story to their grandchildren, or getting a call from an old high school friend who has moved far away. Skype can make keeping in touch feel more meaningful.

Page Once

Even though they may be retired, seniors still have finances to manage. This App manages their finances through the control center of an app. Some of the features in the App include a monthly bill tracker, bill organizer, and access to online bill pay setups. No more sitting down to write out checks each month!

Stockfish

Fancy a game of chess? Whether an experienced player, or beginner Stockfish sets up each level of expertise with a worthy opponent. Customize the experience by level and playing style. Seniors can also play with others in their community for a little healthy competition. It’s a great way to socialize with your neighbors or someone across the country!

Virtuoso Piano Free 3

Love music or playing instruments? This app allows individuals to create music and songs for free. The app turns your screen into a piano, or one of several other instruments you can play. Don’t forget to record and share the creations with family and friends.

Luminosity

We all know the positives that interactive brain games can bring to people of all ages & especially seniors. Luminosity offers fun and engaging games that are designed to keep the brain sharp, and at the top of its game. Choose from Sudoku, Crosswords, Skeeball and other word games.

Ted Talks

When seniors have down time and TV has become boring, try viewing the Ted Talks app. From the App seniors can view inspirational and informative talks from people like Steve Jobs, Stephen Hawking, and more. Choose from topics like art, entertainment, history, and health care. The list is endless and the talks are fascinating!

 

These Apps, and many more are valuable in supporting the continued development, independence and enjoyment of seniors. Learning and living doesn’t end, and technology helps the learning to continue. What are some of the Apps you use?

Concerns & Advice Part Two: Memory Care & The Circle of Life

dementia.jpg

Welcome back to the Concerns & Advice series. Last week we featured a blog on a member of the New LifeStyles family, who is dealing with the effect of dementia and Alzheimers on their parents. In this weeks post we are featuring advice to help others who may be in the same situation.

After your loved one receives a diagnosis of a dementia related illness, especially a progressive one, your mind fills with questions. What do we do now? How do we prepare for an uncertain future? Will I be capable of caring for my loved one’s needs as the illness progresses? Ideally, we would like to keep our loved one at home as long as possible. But, how should we decide when it is the proper time to move them into a memory care community?

Here are three criteria to consider when deciding if and when this move is necessary for your loved one.

Daily Self-Care

If your loved one is still capable of completing daily self-care, then remaining at home could be a better temporary option. If a little help is necessary for daily self-care tasks, your loved one may not want to ask you to assist them. So it may be in your best interest to bring in a home care aide a few hours each day, or a few days a week to assist with these tasks. In all your loved one may feel more comfortable allowing a home care aide to assist rather than a family member. If the daily care becomes so difficult that you feel overwhelmed on a regular basis even with the help of a professional caregiver, it is probably time to consider moving them into a memory care unit where full-time specialized care is available.

Disorientation and Wandering

There is nothing as frightening as having a loved one with memory issues slip, out for a “walk” only to be found days later suffering from exposure or worse. If you are capable of having someone with your loved one round-the-clock to monitor their movements, then staying at home is still possible. But if wandering and disorientation continues to occur frequently, it may be time to reconsider living at home.

Personal Safety

The same caution goes for the use of major appliances like the stove, or the car. One woman took her father’s car key off of his key ring and replaced it with a key that while similar, didn’t start his car. When her father went out to try to start the car the key wouldn’t work. He would sit in frustration for a moment and then go back into the house. Another strategy is to unhook the battery of the car if it is a car you do not use regularly. However, with all of these strategies and tips on how to keep your loved one safe; sometimes a devastating fire or car accident may still occur regardless of the precautions taken. At that time, it may be best to pursue memory care.

Although we may feel that are loved ones are happier at home, being at home may not be the best option if their safety is at bay. Memory care units are well equipped as a safe secure place for your loved one to live with dignity while the illness progresses, and should be considered as a viable option. If you would like to find memory care options in your area click here for more information.

Hospice Care Benefits for Your Loved One

If your doctor or caregiver has recently recommended for your loved one to be put on hospice care, you are probably wondering how your loved one can benefit from it. Often, hospice care can have a negative stigma, but in actuality can be a comfortable and peaceful service for seniors living in there last days. Here are a few benefits your loved one will gain when in hospice care.

Familiar Environment

One benefit of hospice care is that your loved one will be in a familiar environment. Your loved one won’t be stuck in an uncomfortable hospital bed, surrounded by people they don’t know. Instead they can choose to be at home, in their own bed, surrounded by friends and loved ones, receiving the same care as they would in a hospital.

Personalized Care & Support

Another benefit of hospice care is that your loved one will receive personalized care and support. Because doctors and nurses are working with a patient one-on-one the care and support they receive will be personalized to them specifically. In addition to this families members of the patient can also receive counseling, grieving and support services as well.

Respectful Care

One last benefit of hospice care is the fact that, your loved ones wishes are respected. Health care professionals will do their best to make sure that your loved one is comfortable. It also gives patients time to discuss their final affairs and spend precious last days with their loved ones.

In all, there are several reasons why hospice care can be beneficial. Respectful care, personalized care and support, and a familiar environment are just a few things that can make hospice care so worth it. If you would like more information about hospice care and the agencies in your area click here.

Plan Labor Day Fun for Your Senior Living Community

laborday1

Even though many of the people in your senior living community have probably had many years pass since their last working days, they probably still feel a strong connection to the industries they spent years serving and the titles and responsibilities they used to have. For some seniors, working represents usefulness and it can be difficult for them not to be known as the worker they once were.

Labor day is the perfect day to recognize the members of your community and the work that they did in their younger years.

According to the United States Department of Labor, “Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

This year Labor Day will be celebrated on Monday, September 7th. With it only being a few weeks away you and your community can brainstorm now to find ways to make seniors feel special.
Ask Questions
In preparation for Labor Day, ask your residents about the jobs they held throughout their lives. Ask about their first jobs, their best jobs and their worst jobs.  Not only can this help your community come up with ideas to make for a great labor day celebration; But it can also spark a seniors memory and make for good conversation.
Decorate!
Find fun ways to display the information you gather around your living community. Make bulletin boards that shows all of your residents and the industry they worked in. Make gift baskets or have themed meals geared toward their particular industry.
Entertain
Have an event where you interview some of your residents about the jobs they held. You can even let it be a forum style discussion where other residents can chime in on their experiences. Your residents might really enjoy spending time with other people in their community who held similar jobs.
In all, Labor Day is an important day to celebrate the contributions and achievements made by men and women in the workforce. Make this day another opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the seniors in your community.

Nursing Home Marketing Tips

marketing10

The CDC has reported that, as of 2012, there were about 1,383,700 senior citizens living in 15,700 nursing homes across the nation. The number of senior citizens in the country is expected to double from 2010 to 2050, and the number of citizens over the age of 85 will be nearly triple in the years from 2015 to 2050. This means that the need for nursing homes is going to increase. It also means that competition among nursing homes is likely to increase. According to an article published in the Houston Chronicle, there are a number of marketing tools that nursing homes should be aware of differentiation.

 

Nursing homes should examine and communicate to the public their target market and what sets them apart from other nursing homes in the region. What is your unique selling point?
Provide facts and figures
How is your facility better than others? With technology, families have access to the information about more options than ever before. They don’t want to just take your word for it that your nursing home is better, they want to see numbers. One size fits all doesn’t necessarily integrate with the provision of quality care. If your facility excels at something — whether it’s memory care, care of mentally disabled seniors, or another niche — market that.
Involvement
Potential clients and their families want to know more about you than simply the care you provide. They also want to know about your involvement in the community and your commitment to working with legislators to improve the quality of care and rights of seniors.
Don’t make promises you can’t keep
Only market the services that you know you’re able to provide, regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.
Are you using any of these tips to grow your nursing community and services? Tell us about some of your experiences and ways you stand out from other homes in your area. Check back here weekly for more information about marketing your senior services and other industry news.