Senior Living Blog by UMH

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

Cold Weather is Coming: Help Prepare Your Aging Loved One

By: Marissa Salvesen November 4th, 2014

While many people dread the arrival of cold weather, winter's freezing temperatures pose particular health hazards to seniors.

Sleeping Pills for Seniors: Healthy or A Hazard?

By: Marissa Salvesen September 11th, 2014

Sleep can be elusive at any stage of life, but seniors are commonly afflicted by sleep problems, such as insomnia and night waking. While older adults require 30 to 60 minutes less sleep than others, they also wake up more -- as many as four times a night for the average 70 year old. While sleeping pills may seem like a simple solution for sleep issues, they can also put your aging loved one at risk.

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

September 7th is Grandparents Day! Here are Five Ways to Celebrate

By: Marissa Salvesen September 4th, 2014

Grandparents play a special role in the lives of children, families and our society as a whole. While it’s important to honor our aging loved ones every day, September 7th offers a special opportunity to show your love with the arrival of National Grandparents Day. Observed every year on the first Sunday following Labor Day, Grandparents Day is all about celebrating your cherished loved ones and creating even more happy memories together. 1. Flower Power

Hit the Road: Traveling Tips for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen August 14th, 2014

Just because we get older doesn’t mean hobbies and interests diminish. If your aging loved one has always heeded the call of the open road, there’s no reason to stop now. As a caregiver, while you may feel uncertainty about helping your loved one prepare for a trip, the following traveling tips can help ensure happy trails. Plan Ahead

Mobility Matters: Helping Your Aging Loved One Remain Mobile

By: Marissa Salvesen August 12th, 2014

While loss of mobility is a common part of the aging process, it also represents a significant threat to the wellbeing of aging parents.

It's Family Reunion Month! Three Ways to Include Your Aging Loved One

By: Marissa Salvesen July 31st, 2014

There’s nothing like some good time spent with family to lift the spirits and restore the soul. Family reunions are beneficial to both the young and young at heart because they offer the critical opportunity to connect. But just because your parent has limited mobility doesn’t mean he or she can't join in on the fun. There’s no better time than now to start planning your next familial fete than during the summer months.

Quick, Nutritious and Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Seniors

By: Marissa Salvesen March 25th, 2014

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition; in fact, many diseases common among older adults are a direct result of dietary insufficiencies. Making sure that your aging loved has access to balanced meals can be a real challenge for caregivers, especially if mom or dad is living alone.

The Link Between Falling and Alzheimer’s Disease

By: Marissa Salvesen March 20th, 2014

While there is presently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, doctors have found effective treatments that may be useful in helping to slow the progression of this devastating disease. Pinpointing Alzheimer's disease early is one of the most important things you can do for your loved one. This allows for earlier treatment of the disease, which may help preserve cognitive abilities for a longer length of time.

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.

The Benefits of Being a Social Senior

By: Marissa Salvesen March 5th, 2014

If you have an aging loved one in your life, it is important to look for ways to help them stay socially active and engaged. Well into their retirement years, life for an aging parent or loved one can become lonely and dull.

The Importance of Communication in Assisted Living

By: Marissa Salvesen February 27th, 2014

Communication is an important part of everyday life in an assisted living community. In each UMH community, we recognize that communication needs dialogue. Learn more about this dialogue in our newest ebook "The ABC's of Assisted Living".