Senior Living Blog by UMH

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Celebrating Nurses in Skilled Nursing Homes and Assisted Living

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 6th, 2013

Families are often in the middle of a health crisis with their aging loved one when they have to sort out the difference between the care offered at skilled nursing homes and assisted living communities. Skilled nursing facilities are commonly referred to as nursing homes and are licensed healthcare facilities that are inspected and regulated by the state’s Department of Public Health and have nurses on staff 24-hours each day. Long and short-term care is available for those who need rehabilitation services or suffer from serious or persistent health issues that are too complicated to be tended to at assisted living.

How Assisted Living Gives Seniors More Freedom

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 29th, 2013

Assisted Living, Personal Care Homes or Board and Care Homes are different ways of saying: “don’t worry seniors, we’ll support your independence and offer assistance with your daily needs.” In an assisted living environment, routine activities that once took over an hour to accomplish, such as bathing, dressing or grooming, now take a fraction of the time because of the care and personalized attention residents receive. This means more time to pursue other interests like participating in a book club, becoming involved in community outreach, wellness and volunteer programs, just to name a few!

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How Assisted Living Creates the Ultimate Sense of Community

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 26th, 2013

If you are sociable or private, opinionated or easy-going, these are the range of characteristics you may encounter in an assisted living community. In many respects, assisted living creates the ultimate sense of community; it’s where you’ll likely garner that sense of belonging and comfort as you intermingle with a diverse resident-group, and have access to a variety of built-in services.

Celebrate Earth Day - 3 Gardening Tips Seniors will Enjoy

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 22nd, 2013

What can you do to make an impact this Earth Day, April 23 and beyond? Going green at your assisted or independent living home is a great start to saving the planet. This can mean investing in energy-saving fluorescent bulbs, growing a self-sustaining garden, or simply planting flowers outdoors. For seniors, the latter may hold a special appeal in several ways:

Satisfaction Results of Residents and Families of UMH Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 19th, 2013

The Results Are In! Residents and Families of UMH Communities Are Happy! United Methodist Homes recently conducted a Resident and Family Satisfaction Survey, and were we ever pleased! On average, 93% of participating residents and families responded they were more than satisfied with the care and services provided at the following communities:

10 Things You Should Have in Place for Your Aging Parents

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 12th, 2013

Watching your aging parent’s health decline is heart wrenching, especially when you feel like a helpless bystander. It’s during this time; however, you can show your loved one that you are their greatest fan! Start to ‘clean house’ by overseeing the affairs of your aging parents, ideally with their approval, and before a health crisis develops.

The Essential Guide to Touring a Senior Living Community [Free Offer]

By: Elizabeth Bemis April 3rd, 2013

As one ages, the thought of moving into a new home can be daunting. This needn’t be the case. These days senior living communities offer activities, trips, transportation, on-site health services and medical staff, nutrition and dining services, and varied design options to cater to one’s needs and much more.

The Importance of Socialization at Senior Living Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis March 11th, 2013

Socializing: It's for Kids, Ages 2 to 102. Most people understand the importance of encouraging young children to socialize, but it's easy to overlook the importance of socialization for older adults. Human nature leads us to crave fulfilling relationships with other people. As we age however, life circumstances may push us toward loneliness and isolation unless we take proactive steps to cultivate new relationships. This applies regardless of whether someone lives alone or in an assisted living community. Consider some of the benefits of socialization for your aging loved one…

6 Sleep Tips for Seniors

By: Elizabeth Bemis March 6th, 2013

Are you getting your ZZZZs? Sleep is important for everyone's health! A good night's rest can lower stress, help maintain a healthy weight, and overall increase happiness. Even with all of these wonderful benefits of sleep, the average American gets less than 7 hours a night, which is less than the recommended amount of 7-9 hours a night.

Wesley Village Gives Thanks to the Hands that Care for Us

By: Elizabeth Bemis March 1st, 2013

Valentines Day at Assisted Living Communities

By: Elizabeth Bemis February 14th, 2013

While many may view Valentine’s Day as a day of flowers, chocolates, cards and teddy bears, it is much more than that. Valentine’s Day is truly a time to celebrate the importance of relationships; with our parents, children, family, friends and significant other. It is a time to tell those you care about and those who have made a difference your life how much they mean to you.