Perhaps the scent of soil and freshly cut grass brings back memories of childhood or the hour of sunshine lifts one’s spirits. Whatever the cause, gardening has always been a go-to activity for residents of senior living communities.According to social horticulturist Dr. Angela O’Callaghan, “Specially maintained gardening facilities that help people remain connected with nature provide benefits for a wide variety of people who are ill or … [Read more...]

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70 percent of people over the age of sixty-five will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime, but many fail to adequately prepare for the cost of that care. When it comes time for them to move into an Assisted Living or Independent Living community, many seniors turn to financing methods such as life insurance, Medicaid, and reverse mortgages to … [Read more...]

This is not your grandmother’s ideal retirement community.Or … is it? It is if your grandmother is really into yoga and hiking, and she doesn’t give a hoot for pickleball or badminton.That’s straight from the findings of After55.com’s survey of more than 700 people between the ages of 50 and 89. We asked our respondents, in a voluntary survey conducted online May 10-31, 2016, what activities they want in a senior living community – and … [Read more...]

Lighthouse Senior Living offers aging parents and loved ones an active lifestyle without risking their health, safety, and comfort. Families often find themselves trying to downsize their parent or loved one’s furniture before moving into their new home, so be sure to use the following tips and shopping suggestions to help make your parent’s new apartment comfortable and functional.Consider the size and layout of each room– Before you start … [Read more...]

Some may think of senior living communities as islands unto themselves, separated from the world around them. However, there are countless ways that senior living communities keep residents connected to what is happening outside its walls and beyond its grounds.Even though they have made the move to Independent or Assisted Living, many senior residents still have ties to the people, businesses, schools, cultural events, and other aspects of … [Read more...]

Hearing loss affects nearly one in four seniors aged sixty-five to seventy-four, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. For seniors seventy-five and older, the rate doubles to 50 percent. Though many consider hearing complications a normal part of aging, that doesn’t mean that seniors lack options. After diagnosing hearing loss, seniors and their families can take steps to treat the condition and even … [Read more...]

The summer season creates the perfect opportunities for seniors to enjoy the outdoors, get involved in the community, and meet new people. Ashlee Goetsh, activities director for The Waterford at Ames Assisted Living community in Ames, Iowa, says that she sees a positive change in their residents’ moods during this time of year because they can actually get outside and enjoy the fresh air. “My favorite part about the summer is seeing how happy the … [Read more...]

If you live an hour or more away from your elderly loved one in Assisted Living care, think of yourself as a “long-distance caregiver.” According to the National Alliance for Caregiving,approximately 15 percent of the 34 million caregivers in the United States fall into this category.However, even as a long-distance caregiver, you can stay on top of your loved one’s care by keeping these helpful tips in mind. Organize Important … [Read more...]

The food choices your loved one makes each day affects their overall health. Certain eating habits may even indicate that it’s time to consider Assisted Living. This article explores various signs of an unhealthy diet, along with the nutrition plans offered by several senior living communities.Knowing the Signs Healthy nutritional habits are essential to good health. The dietary needs of seniors change, so you should keep a vigilant eye … [Read more...]