Senior Living Blog by UMH

7 Reasons to Consider Assisted Living

By: Marissa Salvesen October 2nd, 2013

There are many valid reasons to consider assisted living, with each holding a different value depending on your personal journey. Assisted living communities provide a broad range of services and your decision to consider making a move will depend on both your present and future needs and the timeline in which those needs must be met.

Senior Living Options for Couples

By: Elizabeth Bemis September 2nd, 2013

One of the most frequently asked questions about senior living is whether communities cater to couples who have opposing senior care needs; the answer is yes, most do!

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

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How Seniors Can Avoid Scams: Internet, Charities, Etc.

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 12th, 2013

A new study conducted by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College shows that senior citizens are one of the most preyed upon users of the internet. Scammers are known to routinely advertise in an effort to fleece older investors. This type of financial fraud can happen over the web, through unscrupulous advertising on the television and in the newspapers, from illegal charity outfits and right within the home.

Global Forgiveness Day – What it Means to Seniors and their Families

By: Elizabeth Bemis July 7th, 2013

Global Forgiveness Day, July 7, began with a Canadian based philanthropic organization, CECA, whose mission is to address local, national and global needs for forgiveness and whose mission can be applied to most people on a personal level. The organization has its own mediation center, where disparate groups meet to hear each other and to come together even when they disagree. Behind the philosophy of mediation is the recognition that disagreements often lead to name-calling and other hurtful and excluding behaviors.

National Nurse’s Assistant Week: What to Expect from a Skilled Nurse

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 12th, 2013

As National Nurse’s Assistant Week kicks off June 13 – June 23, in recognition of those dedicated to ensuring the well being of our loved ones, we use this opportunity to shine a light on what seniors can expect when in the capable hands of a nurse’s assistant.

Men’s Health Week: Prostate Health Tips For Aging Men

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 10th, 2013

A man’s prostate ages along with him. By the time he reaches his 70’s, he and his prostate would have journeyed through life at a similar rate of change. Because of where this doughnut-shaped gland is located (underneath the bladder), changes are likely to cause mild bladder irritations to severe urinary problems in over 90 per cent of elderly men. This means a caregiver’s dad is almost certain to develop a prostate-related problem, now or in the near future.

Choosing the Right Senior Living Community for Aging Parents

By: Elizabeth Bemis June 7th, 2013

For caregivers it’s crunch time. You now realize it is time to hand over your caregiving role to the professionals; so how to you know which senior living community is right for your aging parents? This should be a straightforward process; all you need to do is match your parents’ needs with the community providing the requisite services, right? Yes, however, as this decision will affect all parties as you tread on new emotional and financial grounds, the more prepared you are, the more satisfied you’ll be that you’ve made the right decision.

5 Tips for Caregivers: How to Reduce Stress for Your Aging Parents

By: Elizabeth Bemis May 10th, 2013

As a caregiver and child of aging parents, one of the most difficult things you must do is confront the fact that at some point you will need to have “the talk” with your loved one about their future. This is a challenging time for you and your parents as you both begin to acknowledge and discuss their diminishing abilities. Your parents are probably aware of their physical and cognitive changes and they may be anxious and reluctant to speak with you. Here are five steps to help you make sense of the changes and work with your parents to plan for the future:

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.