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Families have always wanted to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of their loved ones when considering senior living options. The importance of friendships, featured in this article, is Reason #2 of our Five Reasons to Join Senior Living Blog Series.
Studies show that socialization can reduce the risk of depression, increase physical activity, improve mood, and help you live better for longer. For seniors, living on one’s own or even with family may not offer the same independence and interaction as living amongst a community of peers. Choosing to join a senior living community presents more opportunities to engage with others and create new friendships.
How do we foster socialization among residents?
Warm Welcome
Transitioning to a long-term community can be exciting; however, for some seniors, those first weeks can be daunting too, as they navigate their new environment and find their fit within established social groups. Understanding the emotions involved, we have developed creative ways to welcome new residents and ease their transition. Many Meridian communities offer the Resident Ambassador Program which partners new residents with established Ambassador residents. To encourage friendships, new residents are matched with ambassadors who share similar backgrounds and passions. During the first five days, an ambassador will invite the new resident to attend events, meals, and perhaps a welcome tea.
Activity Programs
Our dedicated Life Enrichment Coordinators create exciting experiences based on the likes and dislikes of residents. Meeting other seniors who have similar interests lays the groundwork for great bonds and supports a healthy lifestyle. A full array of robust social events and scheduled activities such as fitness programs, social outings, happy hours, live music, art classes, educational lectures, and language classes, keep residents engaged daily with others.
Environment
Our goal is to provide an optimal environment for fostering friendships among residents. Designed with the resident in mind, we offer bright common spaces, fresh outdoor nooks and courtyards, and shared dining rooms. These common spaces attract impromptu get-togethers and bring plenty of opportunities for residents to mingle with others.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
When moving to a senior living community, it's important to know what to bring and what to leave behind. This guide will help you pack smart for your new home.Before You Start PackingVisit Your New Home: Take a look at how big your new space is.Talk to Residents: Ask people who already live there about what they brought and what they wish they had.Check with Staff: Find out what furniture and items the community provides and which items are not allowed.Involve Family: Let your family pick items they might want to keep, especially heirlooms.What to BringClothes and Personal ItemsEveryday clothesToiletries like toothbrush and shampooMedicationsMobility aids, like walkers or canesSpecial ItemsPhotos and artwork that you loveSmall mementos that make you feel at homeFurniture (if there's room)A comfortable chairA small table or nightstandA bed (if not provided)Lamps for lightingOther Important ThingsBedding and blanketsKitchen items if you have a small kitchen areaTV or radio (if allowed)Pet supplies if pets are permittedWhat Not to BringExpensive jewelry or valuable items that could be lost or damagedClothes you no longer wearLarge furniture pieces that won't fitBig appliances that the community providesHeaters or air conditioners that may not be allowedLarge rugs that could be a tripping hazardRemember, your new home will be smaller, so you'll need to choose carefully what to bring. It's perfectly okay to ask for help from family or friends if packing feels overwhelming.
Atrium at Liberty Park offers supportive independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in Cape Coral, Florida. Voted Best Assisted Living by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024, our community provides an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors.Services: At Atrium at Liberty Park, youll find more than senior living services. Youll find community. Feel confident that our experienced senior care team is invested in your health and wellbeing. Enjoy a senior living community where its easy to fill your days with opportunities for fun and engagement. Our goal is to enrich the lives of those who call Atrium at Liberty Park home. We offer an array of programs and services that focus on whole-body wellness whether its creating an opportunity to socialize and make new friendships or participating in daily activities designed to strengthen your body and mind. For more information, visit the Lifestyle page.Lifestyle: Living at Atrium at Liberty Park is a fresh start to let go of responsibility and do more of what makes you happy. Relish in the simple pleasures and leave behind the burdens of owning and maintaining a home. We take care of everything, leaving you with more time for new friendships and hobbies, daily adventures, or maybe just more time to relax and be pampered.Memory Care: For residents with Alzheimers or other dementia, Atrium at Liberty Park is proud to feature MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME memory care programming. We make every day feel special for your loved one with exceptional care and success-oriented programming that brings a sense of purpose and meaning to your loved one's experience at Atrium at Liberty Park.Contact us today to learn more about our community and how we can provide the tranquility and care your family deserves.
Atrium at Liberty Park offers supportive independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in Cape Coral, Florida. Voted Best Assisted Living by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024, our community provides an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors.Services: At Atrium at Liberty Park, youll find more than senior living services. Youll find community. Feel confident that our experienced senior care team is invested in your health and wellbeing. Enjoy a senior living community where its easy to fill your days with opportunities for fun and engagement. Our goal is to enrich the lives of those who call Atrium at Liberty Park home. We offer an array of programs and services that focus on whole-body wellness whether its creating an opportunity to socialize and make new friendships or participating in daily activities designed to strengthen your body and mind. For more information, visit the Lifestyle page.Lifestyle: Living at Atrium at Liberty Park is a fresh start to let go of responsibility and do more of what makes you happy. Relish in the simple pleasures and leave behind the burdens of owning and maintaining a home. We take care of everything, leaving you with more time for new friendships and hobbies, daily adventures, or maybe just more time to relax and be pampered.Memory Care: For residents with Alzheimers or other dementia, Atrium at Liberty Park is proud to feature MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME memory care programming. We make every day feel special for your loved one with exceptional care and success-oriented programming that brings a sense of purpose and meaning to your loved one's experience at Atrium at Liberty Park.Contact us today to learn more about our community and how we can provide the tranquility and care your family deserves.
Atrium at Liberty Park offers supportive independent living, assisted living, and memory care services in Cape Coral, Florida. Voted Best Assisted Living by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024, our community provides an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors.Services: At Atrium at Liberty Park, youll find more than senior living services. Youll find community. Feel confident that our experienced senior care team is invested in your health and wellbeing. Enjoy a senior living community where its easy to fill your days with opportunities for fun and engagement. Our goal is to enrich the lives of those who call Atrium at Liberty Park home. We offer an array of programs and services that focus on whole-body wellness whether its creating an opportunity to socialize and make new friendships or participating in daily activities designed to strengthen your body and mind. For more information, visit the Lifestyle page.Lifestyle: Living at Atrium at Liberty Park is a fresh start to let go of responsibility and do more of what makes you happy. Relish in the simple pleasures and leave behind the burdens of owning and maintaining a home. We take care of everything, leaving you with more time for new friendships and hobbies, daily adventures, or maybe just more time to relax and be pampered.Memory Care: For residents with Alzheimers or other dementia, Atrium at Liberty Park is proud to feature MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME memory care programming. We make every day feel special for your loved one with exceptional care and success-oriented programming that brings a sense of purpose and meaning to your loved one's experience at Atrium at Liberty Park.Contact us today to learn more about our community and how we can provide the tranquility and care your family deserves.