Blog Archives - New Haven

5 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Senior Living Community

Get Educated on The Various Types of Senior Living Communities-Complete an internet search for communities near you. Gather as much information on those communities as you can by requesting information directly from community or online. Know the different types of communities and the difference in services offered. Independent Living, Assisted Living and Dementia Care and which one would be the best fit for you.
Consider Your Budget- Determine what sort of monthly budget you are able to afford and narrow down your search accordingly. Consider financial resources such as VA Aid & Attendance for Veterans, Long Term Care insurance, home equity, personal income and savings or financial support from family.
Tour Communities - once you have narrowed down your research schedule a tour. Talk to current residents, staff and families to get a good feel of the community’s culture. Dive into the services and amenities offered and see if those align with what you are looking for. Discuss rates and care cost and make sure to ask for additional or hidden fees not disclosed on rate sheet. Re-tour unannounced, visit during a meal or enjoy a meal to experience a meal. Invite your family to tour and request feedback. Gather as much information as you can when you visit the community to assist you with making your decision.
Select a Community -Once you have narrowed down your search, select a community that feels right to you. Decide on a move in date. Determine what furniture you will bring with you. Obtain measurements of the apartment you chose. Determine what pieces of furniture and decor you will bring with you. Have fun decorating and create a space that brings you joy and comfortable for you.
Getting Settled In- Transitioning from home to a community is a major life change. As you or your loved one settles into their new space it is important to get connected with other residents and staff, participate in activities and get acquainted with the lifestyle. Enjoy all the services and amenities the community has to offer; chef prepared meals, housekeeping and personal laundry services, compassionate staff, enjoy coffee on the patio or gazebo, get familiar with the layout of the community and go for a walk. Life begins again when moving into a senior living community. There are many opportunities to make new friendships, regain independence and continue to live a thriving lifestyle.

If you are interested in learning more about senior living communities such as New Haven, please call 512-667-0077 today to visit with one of our team members.

www.newhavenassistedliving.com

Is Senior Living Right for you?

Is Senior Living right for you? Listen to what some of our residents are saying after making the decision to move into New Haven.

“If I would have known what life was like living in an assisted living, I would have made the decision to move sooner. I have met new friends while attending the daily activities offered. My health has improved overall, I am exercising often and eating well-balanced meals. I love having privacy when I want and can be as social as I want” - Betty

“I enjoy the fellowship with some of the other residents. It was important to me that I had someone available to assist me on the days I didn’t feel well. I came to New Haven after an injury and was limited to a wheelchair. With physical therapy and help from the staff I am now walking with a walker and feeling better” – Jim

Web banner panoramic image of happy senior man and woman couple sitting together at home smiling and happy with perfect teethSeniors who transition into assisted living have a better chance at saying physically, emotionally and mentally connected as they age, compared to those Seniors who choose to stay at home.

New Haven recognizes the importance to keeping the body and mind active through the various Life Enrichment programs that contribute to our resident’s overall health and wellbeing. Staying active, eating healthy, sleeping well and taking care of oneself can slow the risk of mortality for seniors as they age. Seniors that live on their own succumb to bad habits when no one is around to encourage an active lifestyle. New Haven understands the importance of our residents sustaining a healthy diet, one that is rich in nutrients can help with cognition function as well as nutrition intake. New Haven offers a dining program where our residents enjoy three nutritious Chef prepared meals a day.

Statistics show that both personal and environmental resources are important to aging well, senior living communities offer a unique combination of personal competence and environment that determines an optimal level of function. Senior Living residents report lower level of stress with being able to handle situations knowing they are surrounded by a support system day and night.

There are many benefits New Haven Assisted Living & Dementia Care have to offer. New Haven provides very individualized care, robust activity programs and specially designed communities that help seniors continue to thrive with all the comforts of home. Visit us today to determine if senior living is right for you.

Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

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.

Tips for Touring a Senior Living Community

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.

Signs of Holiday Depression Among Older Adults

Holiday Depression and Older Adults

The holidays can be an exciting and joyful time for many people – decorating the tree, shopping for gifts, attending the Christmas parties, and spending time with family are events that bring smiles to many faces. However, this may not be true for the senior population. Many seniors experience depression and anxiety during the holiday season and adult children and other loved ones should know the warning signs to watch for.

What Causes Holiday Depression Among Older Adults?

Senior depression during the holidays is linked to a variety of causes:

Winter blues: Depending on what climate the senior lives in, weather can play a role. Cold, icy weather combined with fewer hours of sunlight can lead to a condition called seasonal affective disorder. For some people, it can be serious enough that medical intervention is required.

Isolation: Many seniors are feeling isolated during the current pandemic. But the pandemic isn’t the only reason for feelings of isolation. For adults with mobility challenges or those who have given up driving, feeling isolated and alone during the holidays is often the culprit of their depression. It might seem to a senior that everyone has someplace to go except them.

Grief and loss: For many seniors, facing the holidays without a loved one is the source of their depression. The festivities may serve as a reminder of how the holidays were spent before a loved one’s passing.

Declining health: Health problems, especially ones that impact their ability to join in holiday parties or vacations, can trigger feelings of sadness.

What Are The Signs of Holiday Depression Among Older Adults?

According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, signs of senior depression include the following:

Prolonged sorrow and sadness (lasting for more than a few weeks)

Loss of energy and feelings of weariness

Withdrawing from favorite hobbies and social activities

Change in personality or mood

Easily tearful or quick to anger

Unintended weight gain or loss

Problems sleeping—either sleeping too much or too little

Difficulty concentrating and shortened attention span

Lack of interest in joining holiday gatherings or family parties

As we head into the holiday season, adult children and family members should be mindful of these red flags. It’s important to remember that depression is not a normal part of the aging process. Depression can be a serious health issue that requires proper medical treatment.

You may not have thought of a retirement community as a factor in senior mental health. However, if your older family member currently lives alone, it’s worth considering a move to a community where he or she can connect more easily with others in the same age group. In addition to being safer and having less upkeep to worry about, adults in senior retirement communities benefit from regularly scheduled social activities built into daily life on campus. This can improve their mental health all year round, but particularly during the holidays.

Making the decision to move into a senior living community can become difficult, visit our website for more support options.

Want to learn more around how New Haven can support you or a loved one? Schedule a tour today HERE!

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Natural Disasters: Senior Preparedness

Why should you be prepared?

Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that can happen in any disaster. Communities, families, and individuals should know what to do in the event of a fire and where to seek shelter during a tornado or hurricane. You should be ready and have a plan in case you need to evacuate your home and take refuge in public shelters and know how to care for your basic medical needs.

What if your loved one is being supported in Assisted Living or Dementia Care, do you need to prepare?

The short answer is yes. The Community should be planning for disasters, and it is important that you know and understand their preparedness plan to ensure your loved one will be kept safe.

Planning: At New Haven, we understand that planning for natural disasters involves thoughtful year-round planning in order to be prepared to respond and support residents during a disaster. New Haven’s primary goal during any natural disaster is to ensure ongoing safety of our residents while striving to maintain a high quality of care and services. New Haven has a multiple-day supply of prescription medications, medical supplies, food and drinking water to ensure continuity of care and residents can continue with little or no interruption.

Communication: We understand during a natural disaster nothing could be worse than losing communication with a loved one. New Haven Assisted Living and Dementia Care uses an automated message service to keep families updated on any information that may affect their loved one. Our messaging service provides families a peace of mind by keeping them informed of important information and developments during a natural disaster.

What are some ways you can prepare at home?

Know your Risk
Make an Emergency Plan
Know your Evacuation Zone
Recognize Warnings and Alerts ( Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)- which requires no-sign up)
Review and Secure Important Documents and Make sure they are up to date
Stay Informed and follow recommendations for Evacuation

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription Medications
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler’s checks
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

New Haven continues to focus not just on safety but on maintaining community style living that is vibrant for our residents by providing daily opportunities for social engagement, exercise, and an enhanced dining program. New Haven provides a wide range of benefits from 24/7 care to having the ability to interact with people daily and having a social life. New Haven Dementia Care serves seniors with Dementia, offering specialized dementia care programs where we have seen significant benefits from our residents being able to engage and socialize versus the alternative; being at home alone, isolated and safety at risk during a natural disaster.

Learn more about New Haven Assisted Living and Dementia Care and our disaster preparedness plan visit:

https://newhavenassistedliving.com

Schedule a tour at https://calendly.com/newhavenassistedliving and Follow us on

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newhavenassistedlivingandmemorycare

Activities for Adults with Dementia

Why is staying active so important for adults with Dementia?

As we get older, activity and engagement are decreasing. Keeping active not only physically but also mentally can keep us living a more purposefully engaged and full life. It is even more important that adults with dementia stay active with activities.

Why should we make engagement purposeful?

As people are experiencing dementia, they can often stop engaging with others and activities that they once enjoyed. At New Haven we offer specialized programs to help adults stay engaged, purposefully.

Purposefully Engaged

From group exercise, hobbies, and social clubs to one-on-one opportunities to reminisce, there’s never a dull moment in our Purposefully Engages program. Each resident enjoys a daily schedule of research-backed enrichments proven to improve dementia symptoms.

Exercise: Group and individual classes include yoga, chair fitness, gardening and walking clubs, range of motion, and more.

Brain Fit: Residents enjoy mental puzzles and thinking games designed to strengthen cognitive processing and memory

Therapeutic Activities: Music, aromatherapy, pet therapy and nutritious meals make for rich experiences that stimulate the senses.

Social Activities: Isolation is never a worry for our seniors. Laughter, conversation, fun, and games are always part of our daily life.

As Dementia progresses, some portions of the Purposefully Engaged program may become challenging and understand the need to modify activities based on residents’ level of involvement. Essential Connections provides therapeutic and sensory based activities that honor the uniqueness of every resident based off their level of care.

Adapted Group Activities: Residents will enjoy ongoing access to therapeutic enrichment with friends, from art to puzzles, games, and gentle exercise. Smaller groups and quieter spaces help reduce overstimulation and anxiety.

Individual Activities: In addition to adapted group activities, Essential Connections provides individual therapy to residents in the peace and quiet of their own apartment. In the comfort of a private space filled with personal mementos, residents receive one-on-one touch therapy, aromatherapy, music therapy, and memory therapy.

About New Haven Assisted Living and Dementia Care– Our mission at New Haven is to provide friendly, family-oriented care focused on you or your loved ones. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and continue to offer the world-class care we are known for. Accordingly, we are confident in Sandra to continue to raise the leadership, quality of care and hospitality that your loved ones expect and deserve.

https://newhavenassistedliving.com

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

Is Senior Living Right for you?

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