Welcome to Our Blog

Autumn is a favorite season for many. While we want the word “fall” to make you think of fun and festive things, accidents do happen. According to the National Institute on Aging, 1 in 4 adults report a fall every year. The reality is: falls are common, costly and often preventable. These events are the leading cause of injury for older adults ages 65 and older and one of the biggest threats to fully independent living for seniors.

Let’s face it, the holiday season can be hard for many reasons, especially for caregivers of loved ones needing dementia care. A season that is “supposed” to be filled with happiness and togetherness is often met with hustle and bustle, adjusted routines, change in weather patterns and overall unpredictability that can impact the mood and health of individuals with dementia. That is why during the upcoming holiday seasons more than ever, maintaining holiday traditions matters—no matter how big or small, they can lead to peace, joy, comfort, gratitude and support.

We hope to provide a little relief and share knowledge using our experience in guiding families and residents through evaluating senior living communities and the transition into a retirement community lifestyle.

It’s not a coincidence that one of the most popular activities at Ecumenical Retirement Community is the book club. Each month more than a dozen residents, co-workers and community neighbors gather to discuss a shared title. Leading up to the meeting you can’t walk through the hallways or stop in the living room areas of campus without seeing residents pouring through the pages of the latest literary selection.

Man’s best friend is also the mind’s best friend. Pets have a playful innocence, show unconditional love and are trusted companions. With a cute and cuddly disposition, what is not to love — pets make us smile! Whether you consider yourself a dog, cat, fish or bird person, these furry, fin and feathered friends impact lives in so many wonderful ways — especially for those requiring memory care supports.

While a perfect summer day does a whole lot of good for the heart and spirit, spending time in the summer sun and getting fresh air also has incredible benefits for senior care. What reads like a simple day, spending some time outside can make a big difference in senior care, especially for the social, emotional, mental and physical health and well-being for seniors.

Every age and stage of life deserves to be celebrated! Residents in senior living communities move in with rich histories, perfected hobbies, successful careers, beautiful families and friends, strong beliefs and goals for their future. Regardless of the level of care, senior living is about just that—living! It is a place that embraces residents for who they are, where they’ve been and how they want to continue to live.

It’s no surprise that people have strong connections to the physical aspects of home. It is a place where they raised families, maybe built themselves and experienced many positive and challenging life events within those walls. According to the latest AARP Home and Community Preferences survey, seniors are wanting to remain in their homes as long as possible, but also feel like a move into a retirement community Is inevitable.

Intergenerational activities in a retirement living community are not only heartwarming, but all participants are benefiting from the socialization, mental stimulation, emotional learning and quality time. While school-age children are listening to stories from the older adults, the seniors are making new friends and combatting loneliness.

The fact is blooming flowers and sunshine skies are soon upon us, which also means it is a great time for seniors to dust off those sneakers and embrace the many retirement home activities that lead to an active and social lifestyle.