What Is an Independent Living Community?

by Shelley | Apr 19, 2022 | Healthy Aging

Retirement is something most people plan for and look forward to over many years. Finally having the time and flexibility to travel, reconnect with old friends, pursue new passions, and spend time spoiling the grandkids are just a few perks of retiring. Sometimes, however, the burdens of home ownership can stand in the way of making the most of these years.

Maintaining a private residence can be expensive. And it’s often an expense that no longer makes financial sense. If your home has more space than you need, it’s more than just a physical burden. The extra cost of property taxes, utilities, and homeowner’s insurance are a financial burden.

This is when it might be good to consider a move to an independent living community.

What Is an Independent Living Community?

Independent living communities are a senior housing option designed with the active senior in mind. Older adults who choose to move to independent living are typically looking for a lifestyle free from the worries of home maintenance and repairs. Most are seeking a retirement housing solution that allows more time to focus on the social side of life.

Independent living communities come in several forms:

• Apartments in a dedicated independent living community
• Apartments on the campus of a larger continuing care community
• Maintenance-free villas or small cottages that are part of a retirement community

What advantages do independent living communities offer residents? Let’s explore a few of the most common ones.

Benefits of Moving to an Independent Living Community

Here are a few benefits older adults cite as their favorite reasons to live in an independent living community:

• No maintenance or repairs: A move to independent living comes with a maintenance-free lifestyle. No more worries about shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, replacing the windows, or fixing the dishwasher.
• 24-hour security: Independent living communities provide a safe and secure environment for older adults. From fire suppression systems and an emergency call system to around-the-clock staff, seniors can feel safe living alone.
• Transportation: Ready to hang up the car keys for good? The transportation services offered by many independent living communities make that easier to do.
• Dining services: Another benefit of moving to an independent living community is no more cooking! You’ll typically find a variety of menu options and dining programs.
• Amenities: Depending on the community you choose, you’ll find a host of convenient amenities: housekeeping, laundry, transportation, a beauty/barber shop, outings to popular local destinations, and a wide range of events and activities.
• Socialization: Independent living communities offer meaningful ways to connect and make new friends. It could be over a cup of coffee in the dining room or during a walk through the campus. Then there are more formal activities, such as an art workshop or fitness class.

Independent Living Communities Offer Peace of Mind

Another advantage you’ll discover by moving to an independent living community is peace of mind. Safety and security are only part of it. There’s also the peace of mind that comes from knowing that staff can usually accommodate future care needs.

For seniors seeking independent living in Michigan or Indiana, we invite you to consider Heritage Senior Communities. Call us today to schedule a private visit!

Tips for Planning a Summer Container Garden

by Shelley | Mar 7, 2022 | Healthy Aging

After a winter that left many people self-isolating at home to try to avoid COVID-19 exposure, spring is finally on the horizon. If you are a senior with a love of gardening, one way to continue safely enjoying this hobby is container gardening. Digging in the dirt has a variety of health benefits, especially for older adults.

Health Benefits for Older Gardeners

Gardening is good for the body, mind, and spirit. It’s linked to lower blood pressure, better core strength, and reduced stress. That’s on top of having fresh vegetables and herbs to cook with and flowers to bring indoors all season long.

For older adults who’ve experienced a fall or those with a mobility challenge, planting a garden in containers, window boxes, and raised beds can be a safe solution. It’s a way to enjoy nature without having to bend over, stoop, and kneel.

Tips for Container Garden Success

A few suggestions for growing your herbs, vegetables, and flowers in containers this summer include:

• Focus on favorite plants: Look for ideas on Pinterest or gardening sites like Proven Winners. It will help you identify the types of flowers you enjoy most and design attractive container gardens. Be mindful of how much sunlight your designated space receives each day. Does your porch or raised bed area receive full sun, part sun and part shade, or mostly shade? Your container garden’s ability to thrive depends on matching the plants to the sun coverage your garden receives.
• Choose containers wisely: Another factor is the pot you will plant in. If you use a metal container placed in full sun, the roots may overheat. A chemically treated wood pot might result in those chemicals leeching into the soil your herbs or vegetables grow in. Plants that need deep roots should be planted in a tall container. The opposite is also true. If you plan to grow flowers in a hanging basket, choose plants that stay small and have a shallow root system.
• Invest in good potting soil: Healthy soil is the foundation for a thriving container garden. An organic material that holds water is best for pots or raised beds. Your local garden center may carry a regional blend, which ensures the soil you use is appropriate for where you live. If you don’t have any luck, home improvement stores sell prepackaged potting soil specifically designed for container gardens.
• Ensure proper drainage: Another essential is good drainage for your container garden. It protects the roots from rotting. If your container doesn’t have drainage holes, you can usually add a few with a drill or awl. Once you have drainage holes, place a small piece of screen over the holes to keep the dirt from washing away. If it’s not possible to drill or punch drainage holes, cover the bottom of the pot with a layer of stone or gravel.

One final tip is to remember that container gardens require more frequent watering than in-ground gardens. If dragging a hose or watering can around the yard is difficult for you, try to place your containers near a water source.

Summer Safety for Senior Gardeners

Remember to be safe when gardening outdoors in warm months. Stay hydrated, especially on hot, humid days. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Also wear a hat that shields your neck and face. Finally, garden early in the morning or later in the evening so you avoid the hottest times of day.

Gardening is just one of the many activities residents at Heritage Senior Communities in Michigan and Indiana enjoy. Call the community nearest you to learn more about the healthy lifestyle you can enjoy when you make a move this spring or summer!

Benefits of Moving to Assisted Living

by Shelley | Feb 28, 2022 | Healthy Aging

Today’s assisted living communities offer a wide range of services and amenities, from life enrichment activities to transportation, beauty/barber salons, and safe, thoughtfully designed apartments. These services support the care, independence, quality of life, and safety of seniors.

Here’s a quick overview of the benefits assisted living communities offer to older adults.

Why Move to an Assisted Living Community?

• On-site services: Residents appreciate the variety of amenities available to them. From a beauty/barber shop to on-site worship opportunities, the services offered in an assisted living community make life a little easier.
• Maintenance-free lifestyle: Another major convenience of an assisted living community is that household tasks, repairs, and general maintenance are handled for residents. Everything from snow removal and lawn care to laundry and appliance repair is handled by staff. That allows residents to spend their time in more enjoyable ways.
• Safe, secure environment: Assisted living communities promote safety and security. Residents’ apartments have accessible bathrooms, including step-free showers and sturdy grab bars. Emergency call systems, a fire suppression system, and handrails in hallways are standard.
• Well-balanced meals: Seniors who live in a private residence often find cooking to be too much work. Mobility challenges or driving restrictions can make trips to the grocery store difficult. In an assisted living community, well-balanced meals and snacks are included in the monthly fee. Most communities give residents a variety of menu choices.
• Wellness programs: One of the more popular amenities of assisted living is wellness programs. From stretching to chair yoga, walking groups, strength training, and gardening, fitness is a core element of resident life. Residents also benefit from an around-the-clock care team. They are available to assist with tasks ranging from medication management to toileting and personal care. At Heritage communities, residents also benefit from licensed practical nurses complete monthly wellness checks.
• Life enrichment activities: Seniors who live alone might feel disconnected, lonely, and isolated, especially those who have given up driving. It can take a toll on physical and mental health. With a move to an assisted living community, an older adult can participate in life enrichment activities every day. They can join as many or as few as they choose. Movie nights, religious services, card groups, picnics, art workshops, quilting, and book clubs are just a few of the activities offered.
• Transportation services: One more benefit offered by assisted living communities is transportation. Most have routine transportation routes, in addition to being available for physician appointments and other necessary errands. The transportation team usually schedules arrangements for residents.

Answering Common Questions about Assisted Living

We know older adults and their families have many questions about assisted living. Industry terminology can also be confusing. From costs and financing to medication management, our Frequently Asked Questions page can help you find answers.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency in the Winter

by Shelley | Jan 17, 2022 | Healthy Aging

Growing up, most people heard that drinking milk was necessary to build strong, healthy bones. And it’s true. Milk contains calcium and vitamin D, which are linked to better bone health. What few people know, however, is vitamin D doesn’t occur naturally in many foods.

One way most of us get vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. When your bare skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, it synthesizes vitamin D from cholesterol. And it doesn’t take much sun for that process to occur.

While many people enjoy spending time outdoors in warmer months, winter is another story. In northern climates, it can be especially problematic. That’s why when the mercury drops, so do vitamin D levels. It can result in a serious vitamin D deficiency.

Health Problems Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency

Research shows a vitamin D deficiency has a negative impact on our health at every age, but especially as we grow older. Experts typically rank a deficiency in two categories:

• Early-stage: The early signs of vitamin D deficiency are often tough to notice and may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. The most common include muscle and joint pain, mood swings, unexplained fatigue, and weakness.
• Advanced: As the deficiency goes untreated, it can result in greater bone pain and possibly even bone fractures. The condition has also been linked to increased risk of heart and vascular disease, as well as some forms of cancer, including prostate, breast, and colon.

Vitamin D: How to Avoid a Deficiency This Winter

As we head into the heart of winter in Michigan and Indiana, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family elder from a vitamin D deficiency:

• Make good food decisions: Cold winter weather might make you want to reach for comfort foods and sugary treats. While they might make you feel better in the short run, most aren’t high in vitamin D or calcium. Try to work canned salmon, milk, tuna, and mushrooms into your meals instead. Vitamin D enriched foods also help. A few to consume are yogurt, cereal, orange juice, and eggs.
• Spend time outdoors: Getting a limited amount of sun exposure can also help. Check with your physician to see how much sunlight they suggest. A common recommendation is about 20 minutes of sun several times a week. If winter temps are too low to stay outdoors that long at one time, break it up over a few days.
• Consider supplements: Nutritionists say it’s best to get essential vitamins and nutrients through your diet. But in the case of vitamin D, that’s not always possible. If you are concerned you or a senior loved one’s vitamin D levels are low, talk with a physician. They might order a simple blood test to check. If you are deficient, your doctor can decide if you need a prescription dose of vitamin D or if an over-the-counter supplement will suffice.

Healthy Diets Are a Priority at Heritage Senior Communities

Seniors, especially those who live alone, often struggle to stick with a well-balanced diet. Meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking can be a lot of work for one person. It’s one reason older adults find their nutrition quickly improves when they move to a senior living community. Better nutrition also boosts their health and energy levels.

At Heritage Senior Communities, our dining teams are committed to creating meals that are both delicious and nutritious. We invite you to call the community nearest you to learn more!

New Year’s Resolutions: How to Start 2022 on a Healthy Note

by Shelley | Dec 28, 2021 | Healthy Aging

As 2021 draws to a close, most of us are looking forward to a fresh start. While many people use this time to make New Year’s resolutions, few stick to them. Since 2021 was another turbulent year, making wellness the focus for the upcoming year is more important than ever.

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail

Before you set any goals for 2022, it may be helpful to learn why so many people fail to stick with their resolutions. According to personal growth experts, there are many reasons people don’t meet their goals. Setting unrealistic resolutions, being impatient, and not having clear targets are a few leading reasons people give up. Resolutions rarely last more than a few weeks.

As you prepare to welcome 2022, remember to make your resolutions clear and attainable. Instead of listing “lose weight” or “exercise more” as goals, be more specific. How much weight do you want to lose each month? What is your overall weight loss goal? What kind of exercise will you engage in and how often? Setting specific, measurable objectives increases the likelihood of achieving your resolutions.

Think Holistically in 2022

While a well-balanced diet and regular exercise are important parts of your 2022 fitness plan, wellness involves much more than the body. It also means focusing on your mind and spirit.

Here are a few ways to get healthier in the new year:

• Limit screen time: Whether it’s scrolling social media or binge-watching the latest Netflix series, too much screen time is linked to a sedentary lifestyle. It can also contribute to stress and depression. Between COVID-19 challenges and nonstop political news, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you stare at screens too long. Limit your daily screen activity by setting very specific goals, including what types of programs you’ll watch and how much time you’ll spend on social media. While staying connected is important, overconsumption is unhealthy.
• Volunteer virtually: If you are limiting public interactions because of the coronavirus or winter weather, you can still donate your time and talent to a great cause. Nonprofit organizations have lost a lot of volunteers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have begun to create virtual volunteer jobs. Your local United Way agency might be able to help you find a virtual opportunity near you. Another option is to search an online volunteer network, like Volunteer Match. In addition to on-site volunteer jobs, they also maintain a database of agencies looking for remote support.
• Learn to meditate: Living in the moment is a matter of discipline. It is also necessary for a healthy life. Meditation is one way to accomplish this, and it can be performed anywhere. It’s also a good way to manage chronic pain. A few resources to help you get started are Headspace and Calm.
• Keep a gratitude journal: Before you go to sleep each night, write down 5–7 good things that happened to you during the day. Even simple joys such as playing catch with the dog or watching a cardinal at the bird feeder can help you develop a habit of focusing on the positive. During tumultuous times, journaling can help keep your mind and spirit on a healthy track.

Follow the Heritage Blog

If you found this article to be of interest, bookmark the Heritage Senior Communities Blog and visit often. We publish new articles every week on topics ranging from healthy living to caregiving and senior care. It’s a great way to stay on top of the latest news on aging with success!