Courtney Schwartz

There are many important aspects of caring for senior citizens, such as proper nutrition and socialization. One of the most important aspects of caring for senior citizens is regular physical activity. Not only will regular activity help them to maintain their independence but being active can help your aging senior in a wide range of ways, from strengthening social relationships to improving memory and even preventing depression.

A Social Event

For many seniors, exercise is a social event. A water aerobics class gives the chance to connect with other seniors. A walking group provides the chance to catch up on exercise and the latest social news.

A Day of Exercise

Exercising releases mood-boosting endorphins, which can help lessen feelings of depression. If your aging loved one is suffering from mood swings or depression, exercise could help re-direct their negative thoughts and provide a great deal of support.

A Better Body

Keeping the body strong is one of the most important tasks for an older adult, and exercise is the best way to improve both strength and mobility.

Seniors who “sit around” most of the time can suffer from atrophied muscles, difficulty breathing and walking, unsteady balance, poor blood flow, and other common physical problems. Simply getting off the couch and moving can help with these issues. Even a short walk a few times a day has its benefits!

Seniors that live alone might find it hard to find the motivation to exercise regularly or may not know what type of activity they can safely perform. This is one of the main reasons people choose Assisted Living for their loved ones. Senior citizens can benefit from Assisted Living because these communities are designed to help them maintain a healthy, independent lifestyle. Assisted living makes maintaining an active lifestyle easy by providing all the equipment for you, plus scheduled classes and activities. Providing group activities also makes residents much more likely to participate. Joining in a class that all your friends are taking is much easier than getting up and exercising by yourself. Regardless of their living arrangement, seniors that get regular exercise while doing an enjoyable activity alone or with friends can make life healthier and more meaningful.

If you are ready to start the search for a forever for your loved one. Assisted Living is a great choice that can provide outstanding care and valuable peace of mind. Do you want to find out more about what assisted living is really like? You can get a bird’s-eye view from the safety and comfort of home by scheduling a tour today: just click here to get started.

Finding an assisted living community to meet the needs of your aging loved one requires research, legwork, and lots of discussion. It’s not a choice you can make sight unseen. You’ll want to tour potential communities before you and your loved one make a decision.

1.   Discuss your loved one’s preferences to narrow down your choices

Would your loved one thrive in a more luxurious community? Or would they be more comfortable in a laidback environment? What types of activities do they enjoy and want to stay involved in?

Each assisted living community has its own unique personality, and you will want to find one where your loved one will feel at home.

2.   Investigate the staff-to-resident ratio

Does the staff seem stressed and overworked? Or are they smiling and pleasant? Does the community appear to have enough staff members to care for the residents?

These are all important observations to make.

3.   Take a formal tour

The formal tour will introduce you to all the services and amenities of the community. Talk to staff members to get a good feel of the environment. Are staff members personable and friendly? While touring, be sure to pay attention other residents. Do people look happy and engaged? Are residents socializing with each other and engaged in programs or activities? Do you see evidence of a robust program for social, fitness, lifelong learning, entertainment and other activities, such as a calendar of events or notices around the community?

4.   Share a meal in the community

Some communities may not allow visitors for meals in the dining room due to Covid restrictions. But if the community you are visiting does allow guests in the dining room, take adavantage of the opportunity. Assess the quality and nutritional value of the food in the community by eating a meal in the dining room with residents. Pay attention to how the residents and staff act.

Are they friendly and welcoming? Do people seem to be enjoying socializing over their meal? Will your loved one easily make friends here?

5.   Chat with the residents

Chances are the residents in an assisted living community will be happy to have company and more than willing to chat. AARP recommends the following questions:

How long have you lived here?

Do you like living here?

What do you like to do during the day?

Is the staff attentive without being intrusive?

Are caregivers friendly?

6.   Ask about day trips and transportation

Ask the staff about what services and enrichment opportunities are located in the local area from shopping to cultural arts. What sort of transportation does the community offer to take advantage of these? Does the community schedule fun day trips for residents?

7.   Explore the physical details

The physical details can tell you a lot about a community. Is it warm and welcoming? Is it clean and well-kept? Or are walls, doors, and floors in disrepair? Look for wide corridors, light colors, and well-lighted hallways, which can help reduce the risk of falls.

If you are ready to start the search for a forever for your loved one, tour several communities, take notes, and ask questions. Assisted Living is a great choice that can provide outstanding care and valuable peace of mind. Do you want to find out more about what assisted living is really like? You can get a bird’s-eye view from the safety and comfort of home by scheduling a tour today: just click here to get started.

Why should we celebrate Independence?

Everyone values the ability to be independent and stay active. Although age and health related barriers can get in the way, the importance of sense of self is key to feeling independent. Additionally, Independence promotes a sense of achievement and contributes to our self-worth and confidence. For seniors facing changes in their health, independence may be one of the few things they still have some control over. Thus, Celebrating independence reminds us of the value of a community that celebrates it’s residents.

How does New haven assist residents in celebrating independence?

Freedom: New Haven offers thoughtfully designed spaces that allow residents a sense of independence and freedom. Accordingly, features such as artwork, arrangement of furniture, natural lighting and color preferences are carefully selected with our residents in mind. A centrally located kitchen and dining room offers a sense of community for residents to gather for meals and conversation. Our home-like community allows residents to make a comfortable transition from their home to ours.

Comforts: Our boutique style assisted living and dementia care communities invite residents to enjoy days filled with relaxation and ease into the finest accommodations. Throughout our residences you will find a design that provides warmth and accessibility. Our luxury senior living offers an environment where compassionate care is always found. Therefore, New Haven communities enjoy celebrating independence of all our residents.

See New Haven designs here: https://newhavenassistedliving.com/life-at-new-haven/design/

Solutions: When simple tasks become difficult to manage alone, it’s time to seek solutions. One that will allow you to live your fullest and most independent life. New Haven Assisted Living offers personalized care and support to help navigate through activities of daily living. These include managing health conditions if necessary

Contact us today with your questions or to discuss our wide range of care options. Schedule a tour at https://calendly.com/newhavenassistedliving and Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newhavenassistedlivingandmemorycare