Compassionate Guidance for Selling the Family Home: Transitioning A Parent to Senior Living

For many people, the idea of a senior living community includes images of older adults sitting alone in their rooms or napping in a common area. These negative perceptions do not actually reflect the active lifestyle lived by most American seniors. According to a study by the University of Michigan, a growing number of older adults are embracing healthy living, staying physically active and remaining socially engaged.  When a senior and their family begin to consider transitioning to a senior living community, lifestyle, engagement and health are always top considerations. Simply because an older adult may need more daily assistance or support with the activities of daily living, it doesnt mean they will want to stop practicing their hobbies or keeping up with life enrichment activities they love. Many senior living communities help accommodate these pursuits through their life enrichment programs.So, how important is life enrichment for seniors? And what are the benefits of life enrichment programs? What Does Life Enrichment Mean?What does life enrichment mean? Life enrichment programs for seniors include plans and activities that support a seniors social, physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. In addition to encouraging creativity and personal growth, life enrichment programs are designed to keep seniors active, healthy and engaged in their community.While senior enrichment programs may seem like perks, they play a much more important role in senior living communities than just fun and games! Activities that suit a seniors active lifestyle and programs that engage their minds add greatly to the quality of life for older adults. Here are a few ways life enrichment programs benefit seniors:Keeping seniors activeAn active lifestyle is a vital part of healthy aging. Remaining active into the golden years of life can help seniors to maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, prolong independence and help to manage chronic medical conditions. Life enrichment programs that include physical activity can keep seniors moving. At Anthology of King of Prussia, seniors enjoy access to an indoor pool, as well as exercise, fitness and wellness programs.Creating social connectionsStrong personal relationships give people comfort and support at any age. Feeling connected to others can help seniors reduce stress and anxiety, while also lowering the risk of depression. For seniors who live alone or who have limited mobility, it can be challenging to stay socially active. Life enrichment programs in senior living communities often have a social focus, which helps seniors to make connections. At Anthology of Farmington Hills, residents enjoy daily social, cultural and recreational activities, as well as thoughtfully designed common areas, including a sunroom.Supporting cognitive healthMany senior enrichment programs include activities that promote cognitive health. Keeping the mind active supports memory and reasoning abilities, while giving seniors an overall sense of achievement. By participating in life enrichment programs, seniors can preserve and sometimes improve their brain health. At Anthology of Plano, residents have a community activity center with game rooms, a library and reading rooms to enjoy books, games and puzzles, all of which promote brain health. Life Enrichment Activities for SeniorsDaily engagement through life enrichment activities for seniors helps to encourage bonds with loved ones, build new relationships and explore new hobbies. Anthology Senior Living designed our Elements of Life Enrichment program around our core philosophy and using our six dimensions of wellness. Anthologys six dimensions of wellness include:Physical HealthSocial HealthEmotional HealthIntellectual HealthSpiritual HealthEnvironmental HealthThis unique life enrichment program truly nurtures the full mind, body and spirit. From participating in a group fitness class to joining other residents for a card game or an off-site adventure, the Elements program keeps residents energized and encourages them to make the most of each and every day. Examples of life enrichment activities that are part of the Elements program include:A calendar of daily social, cultural and recreational senior living activities for residents to choose from, such as art classes, happy hours, fitness classes, yoga, dance and walking clubsFitness, exercise and wellness programs designed to engage residentsThoughtfully designed common areas and landscaped outdoor spaces for social gatheringsThe Directors of the Elements Life Enrichment program at Anthology provide opportunities and activities to keep residents engaged, while also improving the balance and functional movement for a better life within the Anthology communities. Our diverse monthly calendars are full of senior living activities that reflect the spirit and aspirations of Anthology residents. At Anthology Senior Living, we also understand that effectively improving seniors everyday experiences means not just customizing their activities to meet their specific preferences and tastes, but also ensuring that their daily routine has some variety.  About Anthology Senior LivingAll of Anthology Senior Livings assisted living communities provide warm, dynamic care in a supportive, engaging environment. The team at Anthology manages everything to allow our assisted living residents to enjoy each day to its fullest. At Anthology of Boynton Beach, and all our communities, we provide housekeeping services, linen services, laundry and groundskeeping so residents can focus on fun and enjoyment. Theres so much to do at Anthology Senior Living that you will wish you had moved in sooner! Every day, various organized activities are available to participate in. From art classes to happy hours to brain games and fitness classes, theres something to indulge every taste. At Anthology Senior Living, your time is always your own. Choose as many or as few activities as you desire. View our calendars and see the wide variety that we have to offer.Interested in finding an Anthology Senior Living community near you? Visit our community finder to learn about all our locations. Or contact us today to set up a tour!

Getting proper nutrition is important at every age. Eating healthy keeps energy levels high, controls weight and supports better sleep. A healthy diet can also help to prevent some diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes.For many older adults, eating healthy may be important, but the act of eating loses its appeal. Many seniors report experiencing a loss of appetite. While some medications may contribute to not feeling hungry, there are many other reasons an older adult may lose interest in food. Here are the top eight:Not getting enough exerciseDehydrationLoss of tasteFeeling bored at mealtimesNot having a routineDifficulty with swallowing or chewingLoneliness or depressionLack of ability to prepare mealsWhen families seek a senior living community for their loved one, the quality of the dining experience is often one of the most important factors. It is good that families recognize the importance of senior nutrition and senior living dining experiences, because studies show that up to 60% of a residents day revolves around mealtimes. Senior Living Dining ServicesSenior living dining services teams at communities across the country are responsible for creating menus, serving residents, collecting residents input and working closely with dietitians, physicians and chefs to create healthy culinary selections and menu choices. For example, at Anthology of Northville and all the Anthology Senior Living communities, the Executive Chef pairs senior living dining trends with expertise in senior health and nutrition to prepare meals tailored specifically for each resident. And, with snack options available all day and night, food is always fun and accessible.When considering a senior living community for yourself or a loved one, the senior dining experience should be a top priority. Taking a tour at mealtime allows the opportunity to sample the food, check out the menu choices and ask questions about food availability and diet considerations. Many senior living communities have on-site chefs and nutritionists or dietitians to help address senior nutrition needs. With an understanding of the challenges many seniors face at mealtime, such as loss of taste and changes in taste due to certain medications, senior living menu choices are created to keep the food full of flavor and to meet the specific needs of each resident. Communities are also able to accommodate specific diets and senior nutrition preferences, including low-sodium needs, non-dairy requirements, vegetarian preferences and low-sugar requirements. Senior Dining ExperiencesSenior living residents are more likely to desire flexibility, both in menu choices and in their choice of dining venues. This means that providers need to ensure that the senior living dining experiences they offer are truly extraordinary, as well as nutritious. Senior living communities, like Anthology of Simsbury, have answered this call by introducing a host of different senior dining options: Cafs and BistrosGone are the days of the one-size-fits-all senior living dining room. Now, many communities offer their residents dining venues that serve on demand, like grab-and-go cafs, bistros and coffee shops. Pubs and Wine BarsSenior living residents are adultsand theyve lived full lives. Its much more common nowadays for senior living providers to recognize and celebrate that by building full-service pubs and wine bars in their communities. Farm-to-Table FareSome senior living communities have embraced the idea of growing and eating local fare. Community residents now eat a wide variety of produce that is grown locally and picked out by the communitys chef. Eating Is a Family and Friend AffairDining together promotes healthy eating for seniors, especially for those living alone. This is because people naturally eat more around others and make better food choices. Often, seniors feel that cooking a big, healthy meal for one is too difficult and pointless, so they turn to prepackaged or frozen foods or worse, they skip meals altogether.Senior living communities, like Anthology of Olathe, recognize the importance of eating together, and many offer restaurant-style dining with a variety of well-balanced, healthy meals prepared by professional chefs. Residents who eat together have the opportunity to talk about the events of the day, recalling memories of eating with their families. New friendships often form, and relationships grow while sitting around the table together.Most importantly, the best senior living communities offer venues where residents and their family members WANT to come and enjoy the experience. After all, food always tastes better when its with family. Senior Dining at Anthology Senior LivingTaking the full senior dining experiences of residents into account is a large part of what makes the senior dining program at Anthology Senior Living so special. To create senior dining experiences that raise an interest in food, promote a social atmosphere, consider dietary needs and restrictions, and create an inviting feel, the team at Anthology works closely with chefs, nutritionists, dietitians and physicians; this collaboration has created the Entice Dining program. Each Executive Chef of the Anthology Entice Dining program recognizes the importance of tailoring distinctive, unique recipes for each residents needs. At Anthology of Tuckahoe and each Anthology community, residents can enjoy a drink or sandwich in the pub with friends, share a new dish with family in the elegant dining room or simply sample a fresh-baked cookie in the bistro! Other Anthology senior dining experiences include:New menus developed regularlyDishes that meet residents nutritional needsFood that inspires the taste buds and is easy to enjoySeasonal dishes and local favorites that are nutritionally rewardingHealthy snacks available throughout the day and night About Anthology Senior LivingAt Anthology Senior Living, our care is based on supporting every aspect of our residents health emotional, physical and mental. From our kitchen team to our fitness instructors and landscapers, every member of our team is committed to caregiving. Anthology Senior Living is able to care for residents and their families across a wide spectrum of needs and throughout the aging process. Anthology offers three levels of care: independent living, assisted living or personal care, and memory care.All of Anthology Senior Livings assisted living communities provide warm, dynamic care in a supportive, engaging environment. The team at Anthology manages everything to allow our assisted living residents to enjoy each day to its fullest. At all our communities, we provide housekeeping services, linen services, laundry and groundskeeping. Additionally, our highly certified care managers work closely with doctors and specialists, utilizing smart technology, to coordinate all resident care.Interested in finding an Anthology Senior Living community near you? Visit our community finder to learn about all our locations!

Memory loss, whether due to Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia, can profoundly impact the lives of both the affected individual and their loved ones. The journey of caring for someone with memory loss is filled with challenges, but it can also be a deeply rewarding experience. As caregivers, we strive to provide the best care and support for our loved ones, ensuring their safety, dignity and quality of life. But as dementia progresses, it can bring about significant changes in behavior, memory and overall well-being, leaving family caregivers seeking the best memory care services. While providing care at home may seem like the most natural choice, there comes a point where considering a memory care community, like Anthology Senior Living, becomes a compelling option. In this blog, well explore the complexities of caring for a loved one with memory loss and delve into the reasons why an Anthology community can be the best solution. Understanding the Challenges of Caring for Seniors with Memory LossMemory loss is a complex condition that requires deep understanding of the underlying causes and its progression. Whether its mild cognitive impairment or advanced dementia, knowing how to manage symptoms and creating an environment that promotes mental stimulation and emotional well-being are crucial. Family caregivers often find themselves navigating through various challenges, such as:Increased care demands: As the disease progresses, individuals often require 24/7 supervision and specialized care, making it difficult for family caregivers to balance their personal and professional lives.Safety concerns: Memory loss, such as dementia, can lead to wandering, confusion and forgetfulness, putting the person at risk of accidents or getting lost if not properly supervised.Emotional toll: Providing care for a loved one with memory loss can lead to emotional strain, stress and burnout for family caregivers who may feel isolated or unsupported.Specialized care needs: Memory care requires specialized knowledge and training, which family caregivers may not possess. The Importance of Specialized Memory CareCaring for a loved one with memory loss goes beyond mere assistance with daily tasks. Specialized memory care programs are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for residents. Anthology has memory care communities, like Anthology of Meridian Hills, that are equipped with safety features and memory-enhancing elements to foster a sense of familiarity and reduce anxiety. These communities are thoughtfully designed to create a homelike setting, promoting engagement and socialization among residents. Person-Centered Approach Embracing a person-centered approach is a crucial aspect of memory care. At Anthology, every resident is treated as a unique individual with their own life story, preferences and needs. Care plans are made with input from residents and their loved ones, focusing on independence, dignity and memory loss challenges. This approach fosters a sense of empowerment, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being and happiness of the residents. Compassionate and Trained Staff Caring for individuals with memory loss requires a special set of skills and patience. Every member of our memory care team receives rigorous, specialized training in dementia care, plus additional mandatory training each year. Our advanced methods use the newest smart technology and electronic health records, involving you in their care journey. Our teams are adept at managing behavioral changes and communication difficulties and providing emotional support to both residents and their families. Engaging Activities and Programs Memory loss can sometimes lead to isolation and withdrawal, making social interaction and mental stimulation vital components of care. Anthology communities are built around six dimensions of wellness physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and environmental that promote independence. These are especially important in the care we provide to our memory care residents.Daily programming is built around each resident, offering flexible schedules and activities designed to instill meaning, assurance and purpose. Exercise and social activities help your loved one stay active and empowered to enjoy each day. Our communities use Fit Minds cognitive programs to help residents increase their self-confidence, social engagement and mental acuity. We also offer iN2L programming, a computer software that includes interactive multimedia and cognitive-based games and adaptive devices that keep seniors active, connected and engaged. iN2L addresses the need for individualized, accessible engagement that enhances cognitive function, socialization and quality of life. Nurturing Neighborhoods Our Virtue Memory Care Neighborhoods, like the one at Anthology of The Plaza, are designed to help your loved one thrive in mind, body and spirit. Curated artwork features local landmarks and nostalgic images to evoke feelings of home. Memory displays outside each personal suite feature personal photos and mementos to provide familiarity. Even the dining experience is designed for familiarity by featuring favorite foods served with an appealing flair. Here to Support You No one should experience dementia alone. Discover the compassion and partnership of one of our memory care communities. Dedicated, certified caregivers provide your loved one with the comprehensive care they need and the vibrant life they deserve in a secure and engaging environment.Let us be a trusted and reliable source; we are here to help. Contact us today. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have. Anthology has 30 memory care communities nationwide offering memory care services for those with dementia or memory loss. From Kansas City, Missouri to Henrico, Virginia and locations all over the country, find a community near you today.