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Happily Ever Aging
...a UMH Senior Living Blog

Everything you need to know about caring for your loved one - at home or at a senior living community.

Marissa Salvesen

My journey into the world of senior living began when I started working for United Methodist Homes in 2010. Starting as an Activities Director at one of our-winning assisted and independent living communities and then transitioning to Marketing and Promotions Manager for UMH, I now work as the Manager of Mission Development, fostering the Mission and Values of our organization. I love sharing stories about the many ways we build meaningful relationships and enrich the lives of those we serve, and am proud to be part of building UMH’s 140-year legacy of caring. Wondering what makes our communities such special places to live and work? Connect with me and find out!

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes

Managing the Stress of Social Distancing Amid COVID-19

As each calendar day ticks by, we’re reminded again and again how deeply the coronavirus has impacted every single one of us. For months, we’ve scrambled to discover new ways of coping, new ways of living and working, new ways of defining “normal” in so many aspects of our lives. Unsurprisingly, these challenges have triggered a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to sadness, loneliness and stress. If you (or a senior in your life) are struggling with these types of feelings, it’s important to prioritize your mental health and take advantage of opportunities to enhance your personal well-being.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes  |  senior living nutrition

What is Senior Caregiver Guilt, and What Can You Do to Cope?

When you’re caring for an aging loved one, it’s easy to get caught up in the self-defeating inner dialogue that’s tied to feelings of guilt.

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Your Guide to Senior Care Options

Not sure what senior living and care solution is best for your loved one? Start making sense of your options.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes  |  senior living nutrition

Self-Care for the Caregiver: Why and How to Prioritize Your Own Well-Being

Caregivers are called upon to do so much, continually giving of themselves in any number of ways. Many are sandwiched between the needs of their elderly, dependent parents and the responsibilities of tending to their children who haven’t yet left the nest. In the midst of balancing this complex family life with a potential career, there’s often very little time and energy devoted to caring for themselves. But when the caregiver neglects their own needs, they risk some highly detrimental outcomes, not the least of which is physical, mental and emotional burnout. According to the most recent Caregiving in the U.S. study, conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and the AARP Public Policy Institute:

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Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes  |  senior living nutrition

Tech Review: 14 of the Best Free Apps for Seniors

It goes without saying that, on the whole, technology is more readily adopted and easily navigated by younger generations—those who were born into the computer age and grew up with smartphones at their fingertips. But it’s also true that, now more than ever, technology has emerged as essential to people spanning every age group, in one way or another. Thanks to ongoing advancements in mobile technology and user-friendly interfaces, seniors are quickly becoming a much larger demographic of users.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living

Social Isolation Series, P. 1: Identifying Triggers for Loneliness in Seniors

In this unprecedented time of concern that stems from a global health crisis, the need (and, in many cases, the mandate) to self-isolate and practice strict social distancing has taken a major toll on mental health for people in every category of age, gender, social status and geography. We’ve all been impacted by the pandemic in one way or another, and for many, the most prominent effect has been an overwhelming feeling of loneliness.

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Independent Senior Living  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes  |  senior living nutrition

Senior Caregiver Burnout: Is the Burden Taking a Toll on You?

As a primary caregiver for an aging parent or loved one, it’s easy to get so caught up in meeting their needs and managing all of the responsibilities that you neglect your own mental and physical well-being. The demands of being a caregiver can become extremely overwhelming, taking a toll on your mind, body and emotional state. Without proper awareness and a balanced approach to this lifestyle, you may find yourself suffering the effects of caregiver burnout.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  assisted living expenses  |  dependent senior living  |  senior living homes

7 Fun and Affordable Activities for Seniors This Summer

Summer is a great season to spend time with family and friends, and there are plenty of fun and affordable activities seniors can enjoy. If you’re looking for fun ways to pass the time and make memories this summer, here are a few activities you should put on the calendar.

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Aging & Caregiving  |  Independent Senior Living  |  assisted living expenses  |  dependent senior living

6 Common Unexpected Expenses When Moving to a Senior Community

Cost is a major concern families consider when it’s time to move a senior loved one into assisted living. While you might be able to pinpoint upfront costs, like the monthly rent in a community, there are other costs that you may not anticipate. Here are some unexpected expenses your family should plan for before moving your senior loved one into an assisted living community.

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Aging & Caregiving

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

Before your parent or senior loved one is ready to move into an assisted living community, you need to consider the costs associated with this option. Many families have no idea what to expect in terms of the monthly assisted living costs, especially if this is the first time you’re going through the process.

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Aging & Caregiving

Love Stories From Our Residents

Love is a many-splendored thing… In our UMH senior living communities, Valentine’s Day can never come and go without the sharing of stories – love stories, of course. And who doesn’t love a good love story, right? In this article, residents from our communities share their lifelong love stories and a bit of advice, as well. We hope they will inspire you – and warm your heart this Valentine’s day!

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Aging & Caregiving

4 Reasons Why Home is NOT Always Better for Older Adults

The slogan “home is always better” is often used by senior home care companies to tout their services and dismiss the benefits of senior living communities. But the truth is, home is not always better for older adults -- despite what savvy marketers want you to think. Let’s take a closer look at four reasons why the family home may not be the better fit for your aging loved one.

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