Senior Living Blog by UMH

Helping Your Loved One Cope with Tragedy

By: Marissa Salvesen June 11th, 2016

Dealing with tragedy can be especially difficult for your aging loved one. For many older adults, loss becomes frighteningly more common throughout the aging process. Whether it be the loss of a spouse, a child or sibling, a good friend, or even a pet, these circumstances can weigh heavily on your loved one for several months.

Three "Brain Games" Websites for Keeping Older Minds Sharp

By: Marissa Salvesen January 29th, 2015

While cognitive decline can be a natural part of the aging process, it’s possible to counter the trend through brain teasers, memory games, and other mental “workouts”. Read on to learn three websites packed with brain games for seniors, as well as other suggestions for helping to keep your aging loved one’s brain in tip-top shape.

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60-day stay trial | Aging & Caregiving | aging parents | assisted living | caregiver tips

Losing Patience : 5 Tips for Caregivers

By: Jim Stinson January 27th, 2015

“What do you miss the most about being in your home of so many years?” That’s a question I often ask our newer residents when checking in on their adjustment to living in one of our communities at United Methodist Homes. Invariably the answer goes something like this: “I miss getting up, going downstairs, fixing a cup of coffee, enjoying it for awhile, having breakfast, and then going upstairs to wash and dress for the day.” Or, “I miss the daily routines, walking downtown, seeing neighbors, chatting, walking home with some little thing I might want or need during the remaining day.” Along with those comments comes a host of other things of that nature!

Caring from Afar: Tips for Long-Distance Caregiving

By: Marissa Salvesen January 8th, 2015

Just because you are far away from your loved one doesn’t mean you can’t play a valuable role in his/her life.

Making Holiday Memories With Your Aging Loved One

By: Marissa Salvesen December 2nd, 2014

The holidays bring families together, but sometimes aging loved ones can feel disconnected during seasonal celebrations.

Considering Physical Therapy for Your Aging Loved One? Read This!

By: Marissa Salvesen October 9th, 2014

Strong bodies are healthy bodies. Unfortunately, many older adults experience a decline in strength, flexibility and overall physical ability due to the aging process.

Coming to Terms with End of Life Issues

By: Jim Stinson March 11th, 2014

By Jim Stinson, Director of Spiritual Life

Balancing Your Life and Your Loved Ones

By: Marissa Salvesen March 6th, 2014

Balancing the responsibilities of work, finances, family life, and caring for an aging loved one can leave many caregivers feeling stressed and in need of support. It is no secret that finding balance in one’s life can be difficult if you are coordinating care for a loved one. Driving to doctor’s appointments, filling prescriptions, planning and preparing meals, and assisting with household chores are only some of the many items on any caregiver’s to-do list.

Caring for an Aging Parent: Impact of the Holiday Season

By: Marissa Salvesen December 31st, 2013

The holiday season is a time of light-heartedness, gift giving and family gatherings. It’s also a time when many caregivers feel resentful and often times a little worn down. While everyone is enjoying the hustle and bustle of the season, caregivers tend to be bogged down with extra obligations while caring for the growing needs of an aging parent.

Transitioning to Assisted Living

By: Marissa Salvesen December 17th, 2013

Change is challenging for everyone, but it can be especially difficult for your aging loved one. The thought of making a move to an assisted living community can leave your mom or dad feeling vulnerable, like they are leaving their home and all that is familiar behind. These are all normal emotions which can be addressed with proper preparation. Taking the time to thoughtfully prepare for the transition can help your loved one adjust more easily.

Assisted Living Communities Celebrate National Senior Citizen’s Day

By: Elizabeth Bemis August 21st, 2013

August 21, 2013 is National Senior Citizen’s Day! This is a time to give special recognition to a remarkable group – our nation’s seniors-- who represent the fastest growing demographic in the world. Who Is A Senior Citizen?