by Shelley | Oct 28, 2024 | Dear Donna, Healthy Aging
Dear Donna:
My husband of 57 years passed away recently and I’ve been living alone since. Our house and yard are just too much for me to keep up with. I feel so tied down that I can’t travel to see my out-of-state grandkids as often as I would like.
While I’m still very active and independent, I know that won’t always be the case. I don’t want to be a burden to my children and grandchildren.
I’ve decided to find a senior living community that has both independent living and assisted living on the same campus. My challenge is where and how to start the search. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
With gratitude,
Karyn in Charlevoix, MI
Tips to Start the Search for Senior Living
Dear Karyn:
First, I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of your husband. That must be a difficult adjustment after 57 years together. It’s understandable that you might want to spend time traveling to be with your children and grandchildren.
From experience, I do have some suggestions for starting your search for senior living that I think you will find useful.
- Geographic preference: Begin with location. Would you prefer to remain in northern Michigan? Or are you considering moving closer to an adult child? The latter can be tricky if they have a job that might require them to relocate in the future.
- Budgetary considerations: Another important issue is your budget. You’ll want to have a thorough understanding of your income and assets. It’s also a good idea to create a list of your current expenses. People often make the mistake of thinking senior living is much more costly than staying at home and hiring a caregiver. In reality, when all of the current expenses and future needs are factored in, the costs might be fairly similar.
- Personal recommendations: Do you have any friends, neighbors, or acquaintances who have moved to a senior living community? The advice and insight of someone you trust can’t be beat. Ask if you could sit down with them over a cup of coffee to talk about what they do and don’t like about the community. Sometimes a primary care physician or their staff might have insight they can share.
- Community reviews: Conduct an online search for reviews about communities you are considering to read what residents and families have to say. While reviews should never be the primary resource of making a decision like this, they can be helpful in identifying red flags.
- In-person visits: Nothing can replace in-person visits to senior living communities. Prepare a good list of questions to ask ahead of your tour. Take your time. Talk with staff, residents, and other visitors you might encounter. Visit more than once and go at different times, including the weekend. You might also want to take a friend along for a second set of eyes. Be sure to take good notes that you can refer back to as you work your way through each community you are considering.
Finally, if you are a little hesitant about making this transition, ask the community if they offer short-term stays. They are often referred to as respite care. While many think these programs are designed only to give the caregiver a break, they can also be utilized as a trial run to see how you like it.
I hope this information is helpful to you, Karyn! Best of luck on your search.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Sep 30, 2024 | Healthy Aging
Caring for the spirit is an essential part of holistic wellness at any age. It can impact emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. Spiritual wellness can be defined as a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, whether that is a higher power, nature, or humanity as a whole. This connection fosters a profound sense of purpose, meaning, and inner peace, which are vital for overall health.
Nurturing the Spirit
One of the primary ways that nurturing the spirit promotes wellness is by fostering resilience. Individuals who engage in spiritual practices—such as meditation, prayer, or mindfulness—typically report a greater ability to cope with stress and adversity. These practices encourage a reflective mindset that helps people learn to process their experiences more fully.
A strong spiritual foundation can help people transform potentially negative experiences into opportunities for growth. This not only helps in overcoming obstacles, but also reduces the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Engaging with one’s spiritual beliefs can cultivate a sense of hope and optimism, which are crucial for maintaining emotional balance.
So, what can you do to find the sense of peace that comes from getting in touch with your spiritual side? We have a few suggestions you might find useful.
Activities That Promote Spiritual Wellness
Engaging in mindful meditation allows you to cultivate awareness and presence. Start with just a few minutes each day, focusing on your breath or a calming mantra. This practice can help you clear mental clutter, reduce stress, and connect more deeply with your thoughts and feelings.
Spending time in nature can profoundly nurture the spirit. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or simply sitting by a lake, immersing yourself in natural beauty can evoke a sense of peace and connection to something greater than yourself. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you and allow yourself to be fully present.
Writing can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and spiritual exploration. Keep a journal where you can express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Use prompts like “What am I grateful for?” or “What brings me joy?” to delve deeper into your inner world and track your spiritual journey over time.
- Explore creative hobbies.
Engaging in creative activities—such as painting, dancing, or playing music—is another way to nurture the spirit. Creative expression allows you to channel your emotions and thoughts into something tangible. This provides an outlet for your feelings and a means of connecting with your true self.
- Engage in acts of kindness.
Performing acts of kindness not only benefits others, but also enriches your own spirit. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply offering a smile, these small gestures can create a ripple effect of positivity and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Exploring spiritual literature, poetry, or philosophy can inspire and deepen your understanding of the human experience. Choose readings that resonate with you, whether it’s the classics or contemporary poetry. Reflecting on these insights can guide you on your spiritual path.
- Consider mindful exercise.
Practices like yoga, tai chi, or qigong integrate physical movement with mindfulness. These activities help you connect your body and mind, promoting inner harmony and a sense of balance. They can also be a great way to manage chronic health conditions naturally, such as osteoarthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Bookmark the Heritage Blog
If you found this article to be of interest, we encourage you to bookmark the Heritage blog and stop back often. We regularly share new articles on topics ranging from healthy aging and senior fitness to caregiving and housing options for older adults.
by Shelley | Sep 30, 2024 | Healthy Aging
Dear Donna:
My kids and I are trying to figure out how to celebrate the holidays with my mom, who recently moved to a senior living community. While my mom will be joining us on Christmas day at our home, we’d like to find ways to help her enjoy the season in her new place.
Because this is our first experience with the holidays in senior living, we aren’t sure what to expect. Are families welcome to visit whenever they like and participate in scheduled activities? Do you have any suggestions for how we can make the holidays more memorable for my mom? Any advice would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Patti in Traverse City, MI
Tips to Celebrate the Season with a Loved One in Senior Living
- Decorate her space: Whether it’s an apartment, villa, or suite, don’t forget to bring the spirit of the season to her space. Decorating for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another holiday can be fun for the whole family. First, check with the team at the community to see if there are any restrictions on what kind of decorations can be used and where they can be placed. Then you’ll likely need to sort through the boxes of decorations she used in the past to see if any can be modified to fit a smaller space.
- Ask for an events schedule: From holiday craft nights to school choir visits, senior living communities tend to be busier than ever during the holiday season. If you don’t have online access to the community’s events calendar, ask for a copy. Review it with your mom and family to see which activities you might want to attend.
- Plan a holiday movie night: Another fun idea is to host a holiday movie night. If your mom’s apartment or suite isn’t set up to accommodate the number of guests you’d like to invite, ask the staff for suggestions. Many senior living communities have space residents can use for gatherings, and they’ll likely have a place to show movies. Serve favorite seasonal treats, such as iced cookies, homemade marshmallows, wassail, and eggnog.
- Organize a caroling party: One nice thing about senior living communities is being able to celebrate with neighbors without having to go outdoors on a snowy night. Talk with the community staff to see if you can organize a caroling party and go door-to-door singing holiday tunes for fellow residents.
- Have a cookie party: Don’t let the smaller space or lack of a private oven keep you from making holiday cookies together. For example, bring pre-baked cookies, icing, and all of the fixings to your mom’s place to create your masterpieces. Or consider making stovetop or microwave holiday candy,
- Plan festive outings: Just because your mom has a new address doesn’t mean she can’t attend seasonal events in the surrounding area. It might be fun to get tickets to the symphony, a special event at the art museum, or even the zoo. Dress up in your favorite holiday finery and enjoy the time together.
I hope this helps make your mom’s first holiday in her new home a memorable time!
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Aug 29, 2024 | Healthy Aging
October is often the month when cases of the influenza virus begin to climb. It often leaves older adults wondering if they need another flu shot this year or if last year’s still offers coverage. There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about vaccines in general, specifically whether flu shots are really effective.
The quick answer to this question is yes, an annual flu shot is an important part of an older adult’s wellness toolbox. Now let’s take a look at why the medical community considers it so essential.
Why Annual Flu Shots Are Essential to Seniors
- Minimize risks of complications.
For younger people, coming down with the flu might not seem too bad. The person might be sick for a few days before bouncing back. But for seniors, the flu may lead to serious health complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. It can also worsen chronic health conditions, like asthma or heart disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals aged 65 and older account for the majority of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths every year. Having a solid prevention plan is important, and that usually includes vaccination.
- Compensate for a weakened immune response.
One of the most serious reasons why seniors need a yearly influenza vaccination is that the immune system naturally declines as we age. This phenomenon, known as immunosenescence, means that older adults may not respond as effectively to infections as younger individuals.
With aging, the immune system produces fewer antibodies. That means it may take longer for the body to recognize and respond to pathogens. As a result, seniors are at a higher risk of contracting the flu and experiencing more severe symptoms if they do become infected.
- Accommodate annual variations in the virus.
People might think getting a flu shot every few years is enough. That approach fails to consider how much and how frequently the flu viruses mutate. New strains of influenza emerge each flu season. Because of this variability, the composition of the flu vaccine is updated annually. It’s designed to provide the best possible protection against the predicted viruses for that season.
- Contribute to overall community protection.
Vaccination is not just a personal health measure. By having an annual influenza vaccine, seniors also help promote a healthier community. When older adults get vaccinated, they contribute to herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, individuals with certain medical conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.
For older adults who spend considerable time in public places or those who reside in senior living apartments or villas, this can be especially important. By getting the flu shot, seniors can reduce the overall prevalence of the virus in their communities, thereby helping to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Flu Shots Are Typically Covered by Insurance and Medicare
With the rising costs of health care, people might be reluctant to have a flu shot for fear it will be expensive. The good news is that most private insurance plans and Medicare will cover the costs of the influenza vaccine. If it’s not covered, check with your local health department. Many offer free clinics for area residents to receive their necessary vaccines.
For more flu prevention tips, we encourage you to visit “Prepare to Shoo the Flu” on the Heritage blog.
by Shelley | Aug 29, 2024 | Dear Donna, Healthy Aging
Dear Donna:
My mom has several friends who have recently moved to assisted living communities. Both are widows whose adult children don’t live nearby. According to my mother, they are both happy to have made this transition. She’s been dropping hints that this might be something she is considering, too.
While I think my mom would benefit from social activities and having staff nearby 24/7 in case she needs help, I’m not sure I’m ready to give up being her caregiver. It’s a role I’ve been playing for almost five years now. While it can be demanding at times, such as when she’s not feeling well, I feel like I should be the one to care for her.
Because her friends’ families live out of town, it’s not been an issue for them. But I wonder if the staff at senior living communities truly wants adult children like me to be actively involved or if it’s just a nuisance. Any insight and advice would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Stacey in Saginaw, MI
The Role Adult Children Can Play in a Parent’s Senior Living Community
Dear Stacey:
It’s completely understandable to feel the way you do, particularly as you’ve been caring for your mom for so long now. The good news is that senior living communities welcome family involvement. It can be especially helpful during the early days after the transition when our team is trying to get to know a new resident.
At Heritage Senior Communities, for example, we believe that the best care occurs when residents, families, and team members work together. In fact, that partnership is really what “community” is all about.
If your mom does decide she’d like to make a move to an assisted living community, here are some tips you might find useful for getting involved.
- Make it easier for staff get to know your mom.
By regularly visiting and making small talk with staff, you’re helping them do their job. The more they know about and understand a new resident’s situation, the better equipped they’ll be to care for them. Studies have shown that when team members at an assisted living community know a resident well, they will be able to identify small changes in their well-being more quickly.
Knowing your mom’s family background and personal life story, such as her career, marriage, and children/grandchildren, will be helpful. So will understanding her health and wellness. These paint a complete picture of your mom for staff. That’s important because it helps build bonds and connections. Stronger connections can lead to a more homelike experience for your loved one.
- Offer to share your time and talent.
Most senior living communities welcome volunteer involvement. There are typically opportunities to assist with administrative tasks, special events, daily activities, and outings to nearby destinations. The nice thing is these don’t require any special training or skills. Just a friendly smile and helping hand!
If you do have a unique talent, such as playing the harp or teaching gardening or watercolor painting, the community will likely be excited to have you share them with residents. These types of activities are a popular part of daily life. Plenty of research shows that volunteers themselves reap many rewards when they donate their time to others.
- Make yourself available to staff.
One final tip is to make certain the staff at your mom’s senior living community knows that you are interested in helping out however you can. That includes ensuring the community’s leadership team understands that you want them to call with any questions or concerns they have about your mom. When you make a point of having a warm relationship with staff members, they’ll feel more comfortable reaching out to you.
Plan a Visit to a Heritage Location Near You
If your mom does want to move forward and begin exploring senior living communities, we hope you will put Heritage on your list. One of our experienced team members will be happy to show you and your mom around and answer any questions you might have. Give us a call to set up a time!
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Jul 30, 2024 | Healthy Aging
As we approach the 2024-2025 flu season, there are several important considerations to be aware of to protect yourself and your loved ones. While the virus might not seem like a big deal to younger, healthier people, it can be deadly for older adults or those with compromised immune systems.
Every year, seniors make up the majority of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths. Research shows that during the 2022-2023 flu season, 332 seniors of every 100,000 older adults in the country ended up in the hospital after contracting the virus. That compares with just 46 of every 100,000 younger people.
Seniors and Flu Season
Because seniors are more vulnerable to the flu, it’s important for them to learn more about it. Here is some information you should know:
- Predicting influenza strains
The flu virus is known to mutate regularly, leading health experts to monitor and predict which strains are likely to circulate each season. Vaccines are developed based on these predictions to provide protection against the most prevalent strains. Health organizations like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) release recommendations on the composition of the flu vaccine to maximize effectiveness. That can provide you with an idea of how bad the flu season is likely to be. According to the CDC, vaccines for the 2024-2025 flu season are all likely to be trivalent. This means they will protect you from three different viruses.
Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to prevent the flu and the complications it can cause, such as pneumonia. The flu vaccine is typically recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, especially individuals at higher risk of severe illness, including seniors, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
While experts usually suggest people in high-risk categories be vaccinated in October, it’s important to check with your primary care physician. They can make personalized recommendations on flu shot timing. While getting vaccinated before peak flu activity begins is crucial for optimal protection, so is ensuring that you are covered for the duration of influenza season.
- Antiviral treatment options
Antiviral medications are available to treat influenza and may be recommended for individuals who are at higher risk of severe illness. However, it’s important to know that time is of the essence with these types of medications. Early treatment with antivirals can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms if administered within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. At the first sign of the flu, call your doctor for advice or an appointment.
- Other prevention measures
Beyond being vaccinated, developing good prevention habits can help you avoid being bitten by the flu bug or other respiratory viruses. Frequent handwashing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when feeling unwell can all offer protection. If you need to go to a crowded area or gathering when the flu outbreak is high, wear a mask and keep hand sanitizer in your pocket or purse. It’s also important to eat well and get rest during flu season.
- Symptom differentiation from COVID-19
Recognizing the symptoms of flu, which can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headache, is important for early diagnosis and treatment. But symptoms of flu and COVID-19 can overlap, making testing essential for accurate diagnosis. That means if you do get sick, your health care provider will probably want to continue to test for both conditions so they can provide appropriate care.
Bookmark the Heritage Blog
Staying informed about the upcoming 2024-2025 flu season is crucial for individuals and communities to prepare effectively. We encourage you to bookmark the Heritage blog and stop back often for updates on flu season and other topics important to older adults and family caregivers.
