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New Haven

Assisted Living & Memory Care

5 Tips for Selecting the Perfect Senior Living Community

  1. 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 Memory Care and which one would be the best fit for you.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 & Memory 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.

Staying Fit in Your Senior Years

Senior living doesn’t look like it used to. Gone are the days when retirees were faced with day after day of wheelchairs and television reruns. Today, even in assisted living, age doesn’t need to be a barrier to staying active and healthy. Staying fit in your senior years may not look like it did when you were in your prime, but there are more options out there than you think.

We’ve gathered some of the simplest and easiest ways for you to stay in good physical health as you age. It’s never too late to improve your fitness levels. Regular exercise can help improve your mood, reduce muscle and joint pain, slow down osteoporosis, and even boost your memory.’

staying-fit-in-your-senior-years

Always Talk to Your Doctor First

Remember to check with your doctor before you start any new diet or exercise program. If you have a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or pulmonary disease, you may need to take extra precautions to exercise safely.

Your doctor can also likely recommend specific local resources such as physical therapists or personal trainers who specialize in working with senior citizens.

Low-Impact Exercise for Seniors

When you’re choosing an exercise program to try, the key phrase to look for is “low impact.” Low-impact exercise is still healthy but puts less strain on your heart, joints, and muscles. Because low-impact exercise typically involves having at least one foot on the ground at all times, it is also a better choice for those with balance or mobility problems. 

Even low-impact exercise can get your heart pumping enough to make a big difference. Just taking a simple walk every day benefits your heart, lung, and joint health. Evidence suggests that even brain health and memory improve with regular low-impact exercise.

Other forms of fun, low-impact, senior-appropriate exercise that you may want to explore include:

  • Water aerobics or synchronized swimming
  • Dance lessons 
  • Cycling on a stationary bike
  • Swimming laps
  • Gardening 
  • Resistance training (weight lifting or resistance bands)
  • Golf
  • Tai Chi (shadow boxing)

Remember that if any of these are new to you, it’s important to start by getting help from an experienced teacher. Even with low-impact exercise, it’s possible to injure yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

Mobility Considerations

If you use a cane or walker, or even if you’re in a wheelchair, staying fit is still for you! While mobility limitations do put some forms of exercise beyond your reach, you may be very surprised by what is still feasible. 

Often, seniors with mobility issues enjoy what is called chair exercise. Chair exercise means an exercise routine that you do while seated.

Many assisted living residences and senior centers offer chair-based exercise classes including aerobics, yoga, pilates, and sometimes even weight lifting or dance. No matter what your level of fitness, you can find a way to get moving and start reaping the benefits today.

Exercise for Mental Health

In senior living, our watchword is always to promote the greatest level of independence possible. Strengthening your muscles, bones, and joints through a regular fitness program helps extend your years of mobility and overall health. 

But on top of all the physical benefits, exercise has major mental health advantages. Seniors with a fitness routine have lower rates of depression, better brain health, and fewer feelings of isolation. Even some dementia symptoms improve with appropriate exercise.

Are you interested in learning more about how assisted living could help you improve your physical health and fitness? Contact us today to chat about physical enrichment at New Haven Assisted Living.

How to Talk to Your Family About Memory Care

After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in a loved one, families sometimes resist the idea of memory care. In the beginning, dementia can feel manageable at home. But eventually, in most cases, the time will come for professional help. Learning how to talk to your family about memory care and plan for the future is the first step of a good dementia treatment plan.

how-to-talk-about-memory-care

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is the name for a type of assisted living especially for seniors with dementia. Like all assisted living, memory care aims to provide the greatest possible independence and safety. However, we recognize that as dementia progresses, safety requires supervision and intervention.

A memory care residence should feel like home; one structured specially to support brain health and cognitive function. The result is a living space in which every item can have therapeutic value. 

We staff this carefully prepared environment with aides and nurses specially trained in dementia care. This means that no matter what happens throughout the day, each resident always has access to caregivers who understand their unique needs.

We’ve even re-imagined simple  daily activities and meals in therapeutic ways, like adjusting recipes to reduce choking risks and improve nutrition. Residents participate in a schedule of exercise and activities that stimulate the brain and strengthen cognitive function.

Memory care also has different security than other senior living options. This way residents may freely walk and explore their environment without risk of getting lost or hurt.

How to Talk to Your Family About Memory Care

Once you understand what memory care does, you can easily see why it’s so important. In its early stages, dementia care can happen at home. But as the condition progresses, the time, skill, and attention required of caregivers grows. In most cases, dementia will eventually require full-time residential care.

It’s wise for families to work together and plan ahead about dementia care as soon as there is a diagnosis. You can lead the way by helping to break any stigma or taboo that your family members might be feeling. Talking about dementia and memory care as normal things can help make it easier to discuss and plan together. 

Ask questions that will help your family think about the future and what they hope for. Be realistic about what you can expect from yourself and each family member. Know what you can do and commit to no more that. Many families begin with wonderful and loving good intentions but can end up frustrated, exhausted, or trying to provide more than their training or ability allows.

Why to Talk to Your Family About Memory Care Now

You may feel like these are questions that can be answered later, or that it’s better to plan as you go. Many families do take this approach. Unfortunately, because dementia is unpredictable, lack of planning often leads to serious problems. 

Families that are unprepared for the realities of memory care get overwhelmed more easily. They are more likely to experience burnout, a condition that causes caregivers to experience depression, anger, anxiety, and withdrawal.  And their loved ones are more likely to suffer complications that result from inexperience, such as infections. 

When families don’t plan ahead, they are also more likely to put their loved one through a rushed or last-minute move. This is painful for any elderly person, who can struggle to adjust to sudden changes. This is especially damaging and difficult when dementia is involved.

Planning ahead can help prevent these problems. Know what to expect for the specific diagnosis your loved one has received. Learn what symptoms will tell you that it is time to begin transitioning to memory care. The best way to provide what your loved one needs in a timely way is to have a plan before they need it.

Does your mom or dad need memory care? Are you looking for caregiver support or respite services? We can help. Click Here to contact us today and speak with an expert about where to go from here.

Recognizing UTIs in the Elderly and Why it’s Important

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is the most common type of bacterial infection that affects the elderly. One in ten men over 65 will deal with a UTI, and one in five women over 65 will also. While these infections begin in the bladder, when left untreated they can spread to the kidneys and beyond, leading to serious health complications. In the elderly, these infections may not look like you expect and can be easy to miss. So, how do you recognize a urinary tract infection in a senior, and what should you do about it?

uti-in-elderly-what-to-do

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

A urinary tract infection begins when too much bacteria grows inside the urethra (the tube through which urine passes out of the body) or the bladder. Often, this bacteria is introduced from outside the body. Bacteria can come from poor hygiene like infrequent washing, incomplete wiping, or wearing a soiled adult diaper for too long. Sometimes, the bacteria is already inside the body and begins to grow when the bladder is not completely emptied or emptied often enough.

As more bacteria grows, the infection can spread. Sometimes this happens quickly, and an infection that was quite small to begin with can move from the bladder to the kidneys and beyond before you even notice it’s there.

Why are UTIs Different For Seniors?

If you’ve ever had a UTI, you probably recall the symptoms. In younger adults, a UTI often causes pelvic pain, fever, and sense of an urgent need to urinate. Urine may be cloudy or bloody, and often has a strong odor.

In older adults, some of these common symptoms may not be as noticeable. As we age, our immune systems change and often grow weaker. Because of this, many seniors with urinary tract infections do not have a fever. 

Another age-related change that can mask a urinary tract infection is bladder weakness. Many seniors already experience some mild incontinence, difficulty, or urgency when their bladder is full. Because this is a normal part of their experience, they may not recognize when there has been a change related to an infection. 

All of these difficulties grow if a senior is experiencing any type of age-related cognitive decline, such as dementia. Cognitive decline makes it harder both to notice UTI symptoms and to express that they are happening. 

The Biggest Symptom of UTI in a Senior that You Need to Know

For many seniors, the biggest symptom of a urinary tract infection is a behavioral change. This can look like confusion, lethargy, falling or balance problems, agitation, decreased appetite, or even hallucinations. In fact, these changes can be so severe that they can be misdiagnosed as dementia. 

If your parent or senior loved one has suddenly developed any of these symptoms, it’s important to get them to the doctor as soon as possible. Urinary tract infections in seniors can lead to life-threatening complications, including permanent kidney damage, or a major infection in the blood known as sepsis.

In seniors who already have a dementia diagnosis, an untreated UTI can speed up cognitive decline. It’s important not to assume that sudden new or worsening confusion is “just” dementia getting worse.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections in Seniors

There is no way to guarantee that your mom or dad will never contract a UTI. However, these simple measures can help lower the overall risk:

  • Emptying the bladder frequently, no “holding it”
  • Wiping from back to front
  • Staying well-hydrated at all times
  • Changing incontinence briefs often throughout the day
  • Showering rather than bathing
  • For indwelling catheters, clean daily with soap and water as instructed by a doctor

Maintaining urinary tract health is a crucial part of health and well-being for seniors. This is especially important with any kind of condition that raises the risk of UTI, like bladder or bowel incontinence, dementia, catheterization, or immune system compromise. 

Are you a home caregiver for a senior with dementia or other cognitive decline? You might like to meet with one of our support groups for caregivers. Click Here to learn more or reach out today for information and help.

Discussing Assisted Living With Your Family

After the birds and the bees, “the talk” about assisted living can be one of the most difficult conversations that kids have with their parents. Talking to your parents about assisted living is stressful. It’s scary. It can make you feel guilty and it can make them feel hurt. But, it has to be done, and it’s better not to put it off. Here are some tips and advice for successfully discussing assisted living with your family.

discussing-assisted-living

Conversation Tips for Talking About Assisted Living

The hardest part of discussing assisted living is introducing the topic for the first time. Ideally, bring it up early, when the pressure is low. Ask questions that invite conversation and help you understand each other. If it gets too upsetting, back off and regroup. By having regular, light chats rather than a high-stakes confrontation, you can help make assisted living a normal and comfortable topic. 

Some questions you can ask to help start conversations about assisted living include:

  • How safe do you feel living at home?
  • Is it getting hard to keep up with home maintenance?
  • Are you worrying about crime rates in your neighborhood?
  • Do you ever wish that you lived near more people your own age?
  • Do you find it difficult to get around these days?
  • Would you be less stressed if you had help handling daily tasks?

Understanding your parents’ fears, stresses, and concerns can help you pinpoint not only where they most need assistance but also where they may be failing to notice their own needs. Affirming that they are heard and understood gives you credibility when emotionally difficult topics come up.

Know What Your Parents Really Need

When you chat or visit with your parents, be observant. As we age, we may or may not notice ways in which our capacity to care for ourselves is slipping. Knowing where your parents are at-risk can help you make the case for assisted living both to them and to other family members who feel invested in the decision.

Take some time to think about and note the following:

  • Physical Well-Being: Is their hygiene suffering? Do their clothes seem disheveled or unkempt? Do they have injuries from falls or small accidents? 

 

  • Home Safety and Care: Is the fridge newly empty or full of expired food? Are there suddenly dust or cobwebs in a house that used to be spotless? Are small repairs starting to add up instead of being addressed right away?
  • Memory and Cognition: Do you notice a parent asking the same question several times even though you’ve answered? Are important items being misplaced or left behind? Have you observed unusual changes in personality or mood?

 

Keep a special eye out for things that might be dangerous to your parents if not addressed. Mention them thoughtfully and compassionately. Bring them up with the family doctor if you’re unsure whether there is a problem. 

Be Compassionate When Discussing Assisted Living

Remember that none of these things should ever be used to attack your parents or make them feel badly. Instead, think of them as tools for making a clear case that there is a better option than what they currently have.

When talking with your family about assisted living, keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Don’t act like the decision is already made
  • Be calm and patient
  • Address concerns or anxieties realistically and respectfully
  • Involve a mediator or support person if needed, such as a doctor or spiritual adviser

Many seniors feel afraid that assisted living means being abandoned. They may feel shame or embarrassment about being unable to care for themselves or having to rely on their children. These feelings are normal but don’t necessarily mean that assisted living is the wrong choice.

Be Realistic About Your Own Caregiving Ability

If you know that you are not able to give your parents the care that they need, that’s ok. Family caregiving is a demanding job. It puts a strain on personal relationships, jobs, and home life. 

Make a realistic assessment of your own capacity to care for your parents, based on what you have observed about their desires and needs and what you know about your own life. If you can’t give them what they deserve, it’s ok to say so. Let your parents know that for you, assisted living is not about abandonment but about love. 

It might be painful to talk about your limitations and theirs. But with openness, honesty, and patience, your family can work together to agree on the best path. 

Are you and your family considering assisted living for a parent or other loved one? Contact us today for information, help, and support, or to schedule a virtual tour.

FAQ: Understanding Remote Health Care

Telehealth, also called telemedicine or remote health care, has been around since well before this year. However, its importance has grown in a new way since the beginning of 2020. You may already have had telehealth visits with some of your health providers. Or, you may have heard that it’s an available option for those who can’t or don’t want to go to a doctor’s office. But what is remote health care and how does it work? 

what-is-remote-health-for-seniors

Who Will I See if I Use Remote Health Care?

Because it’s still a relatively new field, we still use a lot of different terms for this kind of care. Telehealth or telemedicine are the words often used by doctors themselves. Colloquially you will likely hear friends or family mention a remote doctor, remote health, or virtual checkups. All of these words mean the same thing: care from a doctor that happens via the computer or phone.

Some remote doctors visits happen via programs like Zoom. However, most hospitals and doctor groups prefer to use specialized healthcare apps or websites. In many cases, the exact same doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners are seeing patients both in-person and online. 

In places where COVID-19 has shut down or limited “non-essential” health care appointments, remote health is becoming increasingly popular. While it doesn’t come with all the traditional trappings of a regular doctor visit, telemedicine can provide much of the same care for routine health support. 

Is Remote Health Safe and Effective?

For routine checkups and simple problems like colds or sore throats, remote health care is a safe and effective option. A regular check-in chat with your doctor may even be easier and faster than an in-person visit. Some practices even provide at-home equipment like blood pressure monitors that connect digitally to your doctor’s office via the Internet. 

For emergency care or any treatment that requires a hands-on examination, in-person visits are a better choice. However, for simple things, online care is an equally good option and may be both safer and more convenient than visiting the doctor in-person if you live in a high-risk area. This is especially true for high-risk groups like the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions

Is My Privacy Protected With Remote Health Care?

Telehealth providers must meet strict security requirements. HIPAA privacy laws and regulations apply to online doctors just like other health providers. The special apps that they use are designed to keep your privacy secured as well. From the perspective of your doctor, remote visits are just as carefully private and confidential as in-person visits are.

To make sure that your personal health information stays secure, there are some simple measures you can take to protect your own medical privacy as well:

  • Always use a secure internet connection (not public Wi-Fi)
  • Call your doctor from a private, enclosed area rather than a common space
  • Do not share your login information with anyone at any time

Is Remote Health Care Covered By Insurance?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many health insurance companies have temporarily expanded their coverage to include remote visits. This means that even if your insurance didn’t cover remote care before, it might be covered now. 

There are also remote health care options that charge a flat fee for those who don’t carry health insurance. These visits often cost less than the same kind of care in-person. 

What Kind of Equipment Do I Need to Use Remote Health?

If you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you should be able to see your doctor virtually. Because each doctor and hospital may prefer a different program, the specific details will vary. 

If you are using a desktop computer or an older model laptop computer, make sure that you have access to a webcam. These cameras are typically built into newer laptops and tablets. If you have already been able to video call with friends or family, you have the equipment you need to use remote health.

Looking for information about senior assisted living in Texas? Click here to set up a conversation with one of our senior care experts or schedule a virtual tour.

What is Caregiver Burnout?

Have you ever heard of caregiver burnout? When you take on the commitment of caring for a loved one, burnout is a serious concern to watch out for. But what is caregiver burnout, and how can you prevent it?

Whether it’s a spouse, a parent, or another family member, many of us at some point in our lives will care for an elderly loved one at home. Family members, especially adult daughters and granddaughters, are a foundational part of senior care in America. 

Understanding Caregiver Burnout

Caregiver Burnout Comes From Caring

Most of us expect that children will look after their parents when the time comes. But caregiving takes a toll, even for the most willing carer. The adult child of a senior parent may have to juggle kids, career, marriage, and more. There’s a house to maintain–maybe two, if mom or dad is still living at home. To top it all off there are the financial and medical worries that suddenly need to be addressed.

No matter how much we love someone, over time all the stresses that come with caregiving can add up. In fact, they add up faster when love is involved. The strong emotions that bond you to your mom or dad make caregiving a high-stakes activity.

When combined with a lifestyle that doesn’t include healthy coping and self-care, stress and exhaustion just keep accumulating. Eventually this can lead to caregiver burnout.

So, What is Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout is a stress-related condition that happens when long-term caregiving for an ill or elderly person leads to exhaustion. This exhaustion can be physical, mental, emotional, or a combination of all three. Without relief, caregivers can become more and more overwhelmed. They often feel alone, unappreciated, or even unable to continue without help. 

It’s not a rare problem. One study found that 40% of home caregivers reported levels of stress that put them at risk of burnout. 

The symptoms of caregiver burnout can vary. However, they often include depression, irritability, and emotional withdrawal. Many burned-out carers say they struggle to keep giving the kind of care that used to be easy for them. Over time, caregiver burnout can limit a person’s ability to look after their loved one. In extreme cases, it can even lead to elder abuse.

People experiencing burnout begin to manage the strain of caregiving by emotionally shutting down. Unfortunately, shutting down may help reduce stress but it also reduces empathy, patience, and compassion. 

Preventing Caregiver Burnout

Fortunately, caregiver burnout is preventable. These proactive steps for stress management and support can help reduce the risk of burnout.

  • Take breaks and use respite. Whether it’s a friend, an aide, or a residential respite program, putting down the burden of caregiving occasionally and taking time off can help reduce the risk of emotional shutdown. 
  • Take care of your body. Eating right, sleeping well, exercising, and taking time for rest and relaxation all help offset the stress that can overwhelm you. 
  • Find a support group. While it may not always feel like it, you’re not alone. Talking your situation through with others in similar places can give you the support you need to keep going. 
  • Know what to expect. Many seniors with conditions that require care do fine at home. However, some things will get worse with time and may require assisted living or skilled nursing care. Know what to expect and have a plan to prevent getting in over your head. 

What are the Signs of Caregiver Burnout?

You may be reading this and wondering if caregiver burnout is already affecting you. If so, don’t worry; with help and support, caregiver burnout can be reversed. Know the warning signs of caregiver burnout so that you know when to take action and seek help.

  • Anger or frustration with your parent
  • Anxiety
  • Denial about the seriousness of your parent’s condition
  • Feelings of sadness or depression
  • Fatigue or exhaustion that interferes with caregiving tasks or daily life
  • New health problems like getting sick more often
  • Difficulty concentrating 
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Trouble sleeping
  • A feeling that you no longer enjoy the friends or activities that you used to

Caring for a frail or ailing loved one may be the hardest job you will ever do. You may feel that it isn’t right to take time or space for yourself when someone depends on you. However as a caregiver, remember that self-care is a key component of caregiving. If your own health suffers, everyone you care for will suffer in turn.

Are you concerned about burnout and looking for help? Contact us today to learn more about respite care, support groups, and care planning for your loved one. 

Independent Living or Assisted Living?

Should you choose independent living or assisted living? If you’re just beginning to explore senior living options, you may have a lot of questions. In the past few decades, senior living has gone through a revolution. The old nursing homes that you remember are a thing of the past.

These days, you can find an individualized solution for each family’s level of need. However, there is a new problem: figuring out which option is right for you. Today we’re going to talk about the difference between assisted living and independent living. Which one might be right for you? Read on to find out.

independent living vs assisted living

What are ADLs?

As you learn more about the different types of senior living, you’ll probably hear a lot about ADLs, or activities of daily living. Put simply, ADLs and IADLs  are self-care tasks that each of us need to do every day. Examples of ADLs include:

  • Dressing and undressing
  • Bathing or showering independently
  • Using the toilet
  • Managing medications
  • Driving
  • Paying bills
  • Housekeeping and simple home maintenance
  • Cooking and grocery shopping

In senior living, we use ADLs to help determine what kind of assistance a senior may or may not need. Prospective residents will often complete a questionnaire or chat with a specialist about these activities to help determine what level of care is right for them.

Choosing between senior living options starts with knowing what activities of daily living you might need or want help with.

What is Independent Living?

At its simplest, assisted living means an age-restricted rental community for senior citizens. Seniors who choose independent living typically need little to no help with ADLs. In this case, “independent” doesn’t refer to how free you are but how well you can care for yourself without help. 

While some independent living communities may offer housekeeping services, transportation, home maintenance, and food preparation as amenities, these services are usually more about convenience and comfort than need. 

Independent living works well for seniors who are no longer interested in maintaining a large home or who just want to live with others in a similar stage of life. 

What is Assisted Living?

As with independent living, you should know that we’re not talking about a difference in your personal freedom. Instead, assisted living caters to seniors for whom some things just don’t come as easily anymore. If one or more of the ADLs on the list above are getting to be a challenge for you, assisted living could be the right answer.

Assisted living provides hands-on help and security for residents. Your daily schedule, routine, and choices are still completely up to you. In an assisted living community, though, there’s more access to help when you need it. 

Some folks choose assisted living because they worry about having a fall if they get up to use the restroom at night or try to get in and out of the bath alone. Some just can’t keep up with housework the same anymore, or can’t cook for themselves like they used to, or want help keeping track of complicated medication schedules or treatment plans.

Seniors who choose assisted living often still do most things pretty well on their own but feel that living where they are might not be best for them anymore. If you don’t have peace of mind about being alone in your own home because you just can’t take care of things like you used to, assisted living can help.

What can Senior Living Do for Me?

We know. You’re wondering why we think senior living is better than living on your own at home, or with family. 

For us, the answer to that question is freedom. With senior living, you can be free from the hassle and bother of caring for yourself and your home. Be free from worrying about what will happen to you in the future if you get hurt or sick. And you can be free of the social isolation, limitations, and boredom that often make aging so painful.

Many seniors realize after they choose senior living that living alone was taking away more of their freedom than it was preserving. By taking care of difficult tasks for you, senior living sets you free again to live without worry, just like you used to. 

Are you interested in learning more about what today’s senior living looks like? Schedule a virtual tour now and see for yourself.

Updated COVID-19 statement

Dear Families and Residents, Covid-19 update

As you all are aware, Governor Abbott released Phase 1 of opening our facilities on August 6, 2020. This means setting a schedule to allow family members to conduct patio visits outdoors for a limited amount of time and continuing to follow COVID-19 precautions ie. completing the COVID-19 questionnaire, temperature checks, social distancing, wearing face mask and NO touching.

Due to New Haven being a Type B privately owned organization, we have the option to continue to restrict visitation until we feel it is safe for our residents.

I feel we have all worked so hard over the last several months to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and do not want to relax now on the situation. With schools starting back up this week, I feel we are at risk to see an increase in the spread of COVID-19.

I know you all are so eager to see your loved ones face to face without the barrier of a window, but I do not want all our hard work to go unnoticed as with the help of you I am happy to say we have only had COVID-19 in two of our nine facilities.

I will be attending an HHSC training session at the end of the week to review the new enhanced COVID-19 emergency rules for allowing limited visitation and the additional actions and implementations required to continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our Assisted Living Facilities.

I will update you all more after this training with the information I receive.

Thank you all in advance for your patience as I take the proper steps to ensure your loved ones continue to stay safe through this unforeseen pandemic.

Please feel free to email or call me for further questions.

 

Teesa Wilson
tessa@newhavenassistedliving.com
(325) 450-0049