Situated on the border of Hopkins and Minnetonka, in Minnesota is the Homestead Assisted Living Communitya place that offers seniors an inviting atmosphere along with top notch care and security they seek in their golden years. Run by Volunteers of America National Services Elder Homestead stands out as a choice for living and memory care options, in the region. "A Lovely House, with Contemporary Maintenance" The architecture, at Elder Homestead exudes a feel inspired by 19th century farmhouses. With parlors and spacious gathering areas for residents to relish alongside the privacy of well thought out apartments designed with care in mind. For individuals requiring memory care support services there is a neighborhood that provides safety and individualized attention. At Homestead's core is its dedication to care for each individual residents' needs and preferences in mind. Residents work together with the staff and doctors to develop tailored health and wellness programs. The caregiving team is specially trained to cater to the needs of citizens by offering compassionate, in home personal assistance with a focus, on understanding and empathy. Adding value to peoples lives on a basis. The core belief, at Elder Homestead is straightforward. To treat each resident with dignity and respect to how one would treat a family member. This ethos is reflected in the way they provide care every day; ensuring that residents needs are not just met but that they also experience happiness and meaning, in their routines. Elder Homestead goes above and, beyond offering services they also enhance the residents lives with initiatives, like Bluebirds and Blooms that bring joy to the community through interactive activities. Their upcoming schedule features a Caretaker Support Circle where families and caregivers can come together to exchange stories and seek advice. Heartfelt Memory CareElder Homestead provides an caring environment, for families looking for memory care services where residents can flourish and thrive happily together.  The dedicated memory care team creates programs and schedules tailored to the needs of those dealing with Alzheimers or other cognitive difficulties to maintain their dignity and enhance their quality of life. Explore Elder Homestead.Nestled in Minnetonka at 11400 Fourth Street North sits Homesteadan inviting community welcoming families and potential residents to immerse themselves in its embrace firsthand. Encompassed by a blend of care and skilled professionals, amidst an atmosphere Elder Homestead offers seniors a haven where they can genuinely belong and feel at ease. To get details or arrange a visitation appointment, at Elder Homesteads facilities, in Minnesota please reach out to Yvonne Cariveau, the Director of Marketing, by calling (952) 283 2626 or sending an email to ElderHomesteadInfo @ voa.org. Explore the caring atmosphere of living at Elder Homestead.  

Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) is dedicated to ensuring seniors and veterans well being by offering secure and reasonably priced housing options in regions of the United States for individuals, with disabilities and families well. National Services is responsible for coordinating the planning and maintenance of VOA housing projects as the supporter and overseeing body behind them. With a presence in 40 states and Puerto Rico the organization supervises than 240 properties hosting 12 900 affordable housing units that aim to promote self sufficiency respect and a sense of community, among residents. Strategic Housing DevelopmentVOANS is actively working to grow and secure housing in areas where there is a need for it identified in communities. They are particularly focused on providing housing, for veterans by not only offering housing but also providing them with essential services tailored to help them reintegrate and achieve independence.   Moreover,  VOANS is dedicated to safeguard supported housing that is facing the risk of being lost to ensure that communities, in need have long term stability and affordability. Senior AccommodationVOANS provides housing options tailored for individuals to lead lives as they grow older in their own familiar settings.  They have created living spaces that foster well being, through a range of services such as healthcare access and social engagements.  These initiatives aim to help seniors sustain a fulfilling life and stay connected, within their neighborhoods. Shelter for Military VeteransVOANS is committed to making sure that each veteran has an nurturing space they can consider home home.VOA offers a variety of housing options, for veterans that span from cozy studio apartments to four bedroom townhomes for both individual veterans and those with families, in tow.  These properties also provide an array of support services including healthcare facilities,counseling sessions and personalized case management that are designed to cater to the needs of veterans and enhance their welfare. Family HousingVOANS assists families with incomes by offering accommodations and communal areas that promote family development and stability.The organization guarantees that these homes are cost effective and provides amenities, like daycare services,career development programs and educational opportunities. This enables both parents and children to establish successful lifestyles. Living accommodations, for individuals, with disabilities. The concept driving the housing, for individuals with disabilities at VOANS emphasizes freedom and dignity.This living space is tailored to adapt to the changing needs of residents while offering services such as care and transportation as well, as social engagements to support residents in living autonomously. An Account of Influence An illustration of the influence VOANS has, on communities is showcased through Sandras story in Snow Hill, in Maryland. As a musician and dedicated member of the community Sandra epitomizes the essence of VOANS' mission. Fostering inclusive communities that empower every resident to flourish. For information, on Volunteers of America National Services please visit www.voa.org.   

It can be tough for older adults to rely on others for help, just as its difficult for family members to watch them decline. At a certain point, assisted living might be the best option for you or your loved one.You may have considered assisted living communities, but when is the right time to move forward? Here are 11 signs it might be time for assisted living. Plus, we added a bonus sign at the end!Signs It Might be Time for Assisted Living1. Memory ChangesMemory loss is normal as we age. For example, your loved one might forget why they entered a room or where they put the keys. But certain signs can raise forgetfulness to a new level.Examples include:Confusion about where they areGetting lostAsking the same question over and overIn these cases, assisted living communities can provide support and care to meet their needs. You can also consider an assisted living community with a memory care facility if needed.2. Cleaning and Household Chores Have Gone DownhillEven younger people have trouble keeping up with household maintenance sometimes, and age can make it harder to bend down, carry a laundry basket, or get on a stepstool to change a lightbulb.Rather than normal chore neglect, look for a clear sign of a lack of household upkeep.Examples include:Consistent dust and dirt around the floorsSmelly or stained clothingDishes repeatedly piled up in the sinkThis sign is even more important if messiness is a change from your loved ones previous habits. An assisted living community can help, as they provide cleaning services and remove the stress of maintaining an entire household.3. Assisted Living Facility Transportation Would HelpAt a certain point, driving might become dangerous if your loved one has cognitive impairments, slow reflexes, or other issues. You may notice signs of driving troubles from the passenger seat, or it might take your loved one getting a ticket or damaging their vehicle (we hope not).Assisted living communities provide transportation that can take your loved one from their home to shopping centers and doctors. Using the facilitys transportation service enables your loved one to still have some alone time, a sense of independence, and even a sense of dignity because they can run their own errandsand they can do it without using their own vehicle. 4. Eating ChangesPay attention to significant weight loss or changes to eating habits.Check for signs like:A reduced appetiteForgetting mealsLacking an adequate amount of fluidsWhile its good to ask a doctor about changes to eating habits to see if theres an underlying physical health problem in your loved one, its also possible that these signs would improve through the nutritious meals and check-ins that an assisted living facility provides.5. Personal Hygiene ConcernsSimilar to your loved one failing to keep up with home cleaning and maintenance, they may also neglect their personal hygiene.Notice signs like:Body odorDirty hairUnclean clothingSome other signs, such as an unclean home and weight loss, can also indicate that older adults neglect self-care. An assisted living community can support your loved one who self-neglects through regular meals, check-ups, and more.6. Spending Too Much Time AloneIts not bad to spend or enjoy time alone. However, it can become problematic if your loved one isolates too much. Many older adults make time for family and friends, join social groups, and head to daily activities at the senior center. However, others may live alone and be cut off from social ties for the most part.Its hard for some people to maintain a social life when they no longer have connections in the workplace and may have lost their spouse, who kept up social connections. Some people are better at being social than others, and some have decreased abilities that keep them from participating.Whatever the reason, isolation can contribute to poor health outcomes. Also, its often connected to other signs like poor hygiene and living conditions. If you notice isolation in your loved one, consider that assisted living communities bring people together for daily activities like meals and offer scheduled social interaction.7. Declining Medical ConditionsIts common for aging adults to have chronic health conditions like high blood pressure. While it is possible to manage health conditions from home, look for signs that your senior loved ones physical health is declining and chronic conditions are worsening. For instance, your loved one may have had multiple hospitalizations.These signs could indicate that your loved one is having difficulty managing the condition. Assisted living professionals could properly care for them and provide services like medication management and disease control. This can help with improved health and overall, well-being.8. Trouble Keeping Up with Daily TasksPart of an older adults failure to manage a health condition could be forgetting or neglecting to take medication. This sign can be included with failing to manage daily tasks.In addition to skipping important medication, your loved one might neglect other responsibilities.Examples include:Not paying billsNeglecting petsSkipping doctors appointmentsThese are signs of a need for extra support. Assisted living facilities can help individuals with these tasks by providing assistance with check-ins, transportation, medication management, and some medical care, including memory care if needed.9. Family Members Dont Give Enough HelpFamily members can be a great support for aging parents, but its not always enough. After all, family members have other responsibilities like work and children to take care of. Many families may not have the time, ability, or energy to care for an aging adult.Even if they can help, there may be gaps when no one is available, and a family member is generally not the same as a trained professional in senior care. Keep this in mind for yourself as an adult child, as you may not be able to fully care for your loved one, or you may have caregiver stress.While assisted living does not provide around-the-clock care like a nursing home, the staff is available to provide assistance when needed, and many of the residents consistent needs, such as meals, are taken care of. Assisted living falls on the spectrum of senior living options between independent living and a nursing home.10. Safety ConcernsSafety is an important concern regarding your senior loved one, especially if your aging parent is living alone. Keep an eye out for signs that your loved one may not be safe in their own home.Examples include:FallsDifficulty using stairs at homeWanderingDriving incidentsAssisted living can provide a secure environment that includes check-ins and various forms of support. It can take away numerous dangerous situations and provide safety features.For instance, assisted living communities offer transportation to replace your loved one driving independently and provide meals, which removes potential cooking hazards.11. Poor Mental HealthIn addition to physical health, its important to consider mental health. You might notice that your loved one has signs of depression or another concern. Or they seem sad or anxious a lot.It is possible that specialized care of assisted living could help; it provides benefits that can support mental wellness.Examples include:Proper nutritionStimulating activitiesA supportive environmentSocial connectionsIn addition, the trained professionals working at an assisted living facility can check on your parents mental health regularly and ensure your loved one is taking their medication if any is needed.11 1/2. Your Loved One Likes the Sound of Assisted Living CommunitiesOur bonus sign is that your loved one may actually want to live in an assisted living community or are at least ready to check some out. This is great news, as it can often be challenging to convince someone to give up their familiar surroundings and move to a senior care facility sometimes, its the hardest battle of all.How CarePatrol Helps You Find Assisted Living Your loved one might recognize that they could use some extra help and may like the idea of being more connected to others. Once you have them on board, it will be much easier to check out assisted living facilities and find the right one.CarePatrol has locations across the nation with local senior care advisors ready to help you with your senior care needs. Finding the right assisted living facility is often time consuming. Our local senior care advisors know the communities inside and out and can direct you to the one that best suits your needs. The best part? Its no cost to aging adults or their families. To get started, find a CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisor near you and give us call, or request more information online.