Senior Living Blog by UMH | assisted living ct

Breaking Down the Benefits of a Continuum Community for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen June 6th, 2024

A continuum community for seniors — also called a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or life plan community — offers a wealth of benefits to older adults looking to remain in the same setting as their care needs change.

Facing Fears And Addressing Emotions in the Senior Living Decision

By: Tracey Haughton June 5th, 2024

Making the transition to community living is a weighty decision for seniors, caregivers, and family members alike. Whether the senior in your life is planning a move to an independent living community or you are preparing to move your loved one to a memory care community, the decision can bring feelings of fear and complex emotions.

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Embracing Change: Senior Living and Emotional Resilience

By: Tracey Haughton May 10th, 2024

The transition to senior living has the potential to bring significant positive change to an older adult’s life. Reaping the most benefits from this lifestyle, however, may largely depend on an individual’s ability to adapt to change. A senior’s openness to change may even be linked to better mental health and lower risks of depression and anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore some of the many changes senior loved ones may face and offer strategies for strengthening emotional resilience to best cope with these transitions.

How to Afford Senior Living When the Money Runs Out

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 7th, 2017

Running out of money is a real possibility for some who have made senior living communities their home. The money runs out for a number of reasons and common among them are: longevity (the average length of stay in assisted living is 2.5 years but many live there significantly longer) increasing rental costs, increasing costs in senior health care services and a need for more assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) than before. There are others, but these situations just mentioned place an immediate draw on private funds.

Is My Parent Ready for Assisted Living?

By: Marissa Salvesen April 3rd, 2017

How can you tell when your loved one is ready for an assisted living community? If only it were as simple as a big, red flag popping up saying “NOW IS THE TIME!” Well, you may not see the big flag but chances are there are lots of little indicators that may have gone unnoticed. If your parent or loved one is having more and more difficulty with everyday activities, such as getting around the house, running errands, showering and dressing, NOW is the time. Helping mom or dad recognize their changing needs and cope with an impending move is important. If your loved one is opposed to or reluctant to make a move, suggest a short-term, trial stay at an assisted living community. They can take a “test drive” but not commit to a permanent move.

Help Your Aging Loved One GAIN Independence in Senior Living Homes!

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 4th, 2015

As we celebrate the Fourth of July and the freedoms we enjoy as Americans in the traditional way… cookouts, fireworks and perhaps even a day at the beach, take a moment to think about those who may be losing some of their independence. Older adults. Society often views aging as a loss of independence. It is time to look at aging and health care assistance as a way to regain independence.

UMH's 5 Core Values

By: Marissa Salvesen March 13th, 2014

At UMH, our communities and our organization is built upon a firm foundation of five core values. More than just words on a piece of paper, our values are the threads that tie all of our work together and are the basis from which decisions are made and actions are taken.

The Importance of Relationships

By: Marissa Salvesen February 20th, 2014

Our entire lives are built around relationships. Each of us has a sphere of influence within which we maintain relationships with family, close friends, casual friends, co-workers, acquaintances and others. These connections meet essential needs in our lives….the need to feel wanted and loved, the need to feel recognized and valued, and the need to feel supported and cared for.

Massage Therapy Benefits for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen October 28th, 2013

Massage therapists are recognized for the invaluable work they do using skilled touch to bring relief to many who suffer from pain - without the need for surgery. In support of this event, assisted living communities are taking this opportunity to educate communities on ways seniors can benefit from massage therapy.

Tip to Touring a Senior Living Community

By: Elizabeth Bemis October 4th, 2013

While making the decision to transition into a senior living community can be difficult for individuals, once the decision to move is made, the next step is finding the perfect community to move in to. Selecting the perfect senior living community can prove to be a bit of a challenge based on specific health care needs and personal preferences for community atmosphere and amenities. The following are 10 categories you should keep in mind when touring senior living communities.

Evaluating the Cost of an Assisted Living Community

By: Marissa Salvesen September 13th, 2013

The final decision on a senior living community that’s right for you will come down to two closing points: 1) quality services and 2) affordable cost. To accurately evaluate an assisted living community, you must be willing to compare these services and costs with your unique needs and financial capability. Working from a cost-benefit angle will help steer you in the right direction.