For more information about the author, click to view their website: Elison Assisted Living of Bella Vita
At Sagora Senior Living we are constantly creating new experiences to engage our residents and find exciting ways to showcase our amazing communities and how we truly embrace each moment we create together! This year we are introducing a new segment that you will see occasionally on our blog. The Sagora Senior Living Education Series will be featured from time to time and will provide useful information to help educate our community.
Our first Sagora Senior Living Education piece is a deep dive into the different types of senior living! According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “the number of people at least 65 years old who will need to move to senior living communities at some point is predicted to rise from 15 million in 2000 to 27 million by 2050.” A time may come when you or your loved one decide that moving to a more supportive environment like a senior living community is the best way to age optimally and ensure access to quality care. The options and information can be a bit overwhelming. Read on to learn more about your options and which type of community might be right for you or your loved one.
What Are Senior Living Communities, Exactly?
Senior living communities are communities or housing arrangements designed to cater to the living requirements of older adults and provide safe, healthy, and comfortable long-term care. Some communities cater to the general needs of older adults, such as physical accessibility, while others are specifically designed for people with chronic cognitive health conditions like dementia. Senior living communities may also provide recreational and fitness facilities, housekeeping services, continuing education opportunities, transportation assistance, medical care services and other essential and non-essential services to support residents in everyday life.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Senior Living
According to Richard Marottoli, M.D., a geriatrics specialist at Yale Medicine in Connecticut, it’s time to consider senior living if you feel isolated in your current living environment and want more of a community. Senior living communities may also be best for you if home maintenance and upkeep become too bothersome or if you worry about leaving your home unattended when traveling, he adds.
Sarah Hobgood, M.D., a geriatrics specialist at VCU Health in Richmond, Virginia, agrees with Dr. Marottoli, adding that it’s time to consider senior living if:
Different Types of Senior Living Communities
Just like people, not every senior living community is created equal. Consider how the various types of communities differ as you assess the needs of yourself or your loved one. While there are 7 main types of senior living, at Sagora Senior Living we specialize in the 4 most common options – Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Services.
Independent living (Offered at Sagora Senior Living Communities)
Designed for older adults looking to enjoy the benefits of a community while maintaining their freedom. Independent living offers basic services including dining options and regular housekeeping. Independent living comes in many forms, from subsidized senior housing to continuing care retirement communities. This can be a great introduction to senior housing as it provides the best of both worlds.
At Sagora Senior Living’s Independent Living communities, you wake up and the day is yours and yours alone. Our comfortable apartments and cottages, unparalleled service and numerous amenities mean you can truly embrace the retirement lifestyle you deserve!
Assisted Living (Offered at Sagora Senior Living Communities)
Balancing the line between independent living and additional support care are assisted living services. This option can be perfect for those needing a little more assistance. With on-call staff, trained chefs, scheduled activities and more, assisted living communities are a popular option for many aging Americans.
At Sagora Senior Living, we understand having people you can depend on is important. Our Assisted Living communities provide additional support services and personal care for our residents when needed. Our team members aim to maximize your independence and comfort. This, combined with our five-star amenities, relaxing living spaces and enriching activities, gives you a peaceful home with a family of people you can trust.
Memory Care (Offered at Sagora Senior Living Communities)
This specialized senior housing option caters to a safe and secure environment for those suffering from illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Offering around-the-clock care, residents receive the attention they need.
Sagora Senior Living’s memory care program is designed to meet the dynamic needs of families and seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory-related diseases. We have experienced and compassionate team members that provide love and comfort to our residents every day. It is our mission to cherish and support our residents in every way possible to ensure a complete and fulfilling life. Consistent sights, sounds, aromas, and objects increase comfort and decrease anxiety. Residents have the freedom to interact with others or have privacy. Team Members’ communication with residents soothes and helps redirect their focus to positive memories and activities. We care, and it shows.
Respite Services (Offered at Sagora Senior Living Communities)
Are you a caregiver looking for support? Respite services may be the solution to help your loved one live in place. Respite services provide professional assistance with daily activities and provide a break from the emotion and physical toll of caregiving.
At Sagora Senior Living, we provide short term respite care in our Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities. Our caregivers provide the assistance and companionship you need in order to maintain your lifestyle and care while your caregiver is away. We know that one size does not fit all! That’s why we develop personal plans tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
Residential Care Homes
For those not requiring 24-hour assistance, residential care homes can be the right fit. They offer a certain level of independence while providing assistance with daily activities. These communities help with everything from transportation to medication distribution to make day-to-day life a little easier.
Skilled Nursing
Skilled nursing homes are unique in that they provide 24-hour medical care. Staffed with in-house nurses, doctors and other medical practitioners, skilled nursing facilities provide a high level of assistance for those with medical conditions.
Retirement Community/55+ Community
Get social and stay active at a traditional retirement community. With several styles of communities, from age-restricted active adult communities to leisure communities, there are options available for almost any senior. Retirement communities make up for their lack of in-home care with greater resident autonomy, superior amenities, and far-reaching social platforms.
What Experts Say About Choosing the Right Senior Living Community
“Whether an older adult should move to a senior-specific residence, and which one, if so, is highly dependent on individual circumstances,” says Brock Beamer, M.D., a geriatrician with the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center in Maryland. Generally, your choice of senior living communities will depend on affordability, proximity to family and friends, and available residences in the geographical area you wish to live in, explains Dr. Beamer.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hobgood, recommends considering the complexity of any medical conditions you may have and what kind of senior living community might be able to cater to your health needs now and years in the future. She advises that you also think about how much you prefer socializing with other people and whether you might prefer aging in place in the future (and what kind of resources you might need to make that arrangement a sustainable one).
Before making a decision, visit any communities you’re interested in, and spend as much time as possible to get a sense of what living there might look like, advises Dr. Marottoli. Also, speak with people who live there to get their views on the benefits and drawbacks of living in the community. Furthermore, consider a community’s proximity to your health care providers, family members and friends, transportation resources and activities you’re involved in, says Dr. Marottolo. By considering these factors, you can make your move and transition into a senior living environment a more seamless and comfortable one. Ultimately, it’s about finding a place where you or your loved one feels respected, listened to, and cared for.
We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 62 communities in 12 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.
Are Assisted Living fees negotiable?Assisted living fees are generally not negotiable in the traditional sense, as they are often set by the facility based on factors like location, level of care needed, and the services offered. However, there may be some flexibility depending on the situation. Here are a few ways fees could potentially be adjusted or minimized:1. Apartment Choice and Amenities:Different Pricing Tiers: Many assisted living facilities offer a range of apartment types, such as studios, one-bedrooms, or even shared apartments. Larger or more private spaces often come with higher fees, so opting for a smaller or shared space could save you money. Also, amenities like a private bathroom or kitchenette could influence the cost.2. Length of Stay:Discounts for Long-Term Commitments: Some facilities might provide discounted rates for residents who sign long-term contracts (e.g., a 12-month or 24-month agreement). This is not universal, but its worth asking if they have any such offers, especially during the negotiation phase.3. Move time frame:Should you be able to move quickly (less than 30 days), some facilities may offer an incentive to motivate you. On the hand, if you are thinking about moving in the distant future, you wont have much leverage to negotiate.4. Community Fee:There are times when the Community Fee can be negotiated, however if the facility has a lot of demand, they may not be open to offering any incentives of discounts.5. Care Needs:Reassessing Care Levels: The initial fee often reflects an estimated care level based on the assessment done when the person moves in. If it turns out that the person needs less care than originally anticipated, the fee may be reduced. On the other hand, if the care needs increase over time, the fee will likely go up. If you feel the level of care is being overestimated, its worth discussing a reassessment.5. Incentives or Promotions:Financial Assistance or Special Offers: Facilities may offer discounts, like waived move-in fees, or special deals during certain times of the year. Additionally, some may offer financial assistance for specific circumstances (e.g., veterans benefits, financial hardship, or transitioning from a hospital).6. The Bottom Line:Too good to be true offer: Facilities that offer deep discounts are doing so to increase sales. This might be a sign that they are having issues with occupancy. Keep in mind that deep discounts affect the communitys bottom line so this could have an impact on the quality of care and services in the future.Rate lock is a prime example: A annual rate lock may sound appealing (no increase in your rental rate), however as operational costs rise, the facility will need to absorb these increases. If they cant raise the rent, there could be cost reduction measures taken, which impacts staffing, quality of care and services.For information, go to: www.seniorhousingsolutions.net
When most people think of caffeine, they picture coffee, restlessness, and many sleepless nights. For older adults, however, having caffeine can offer more health benefits than just a quick extra boost of energy. While having too much caffeine can come with some negative side effects, growing research showcases it can help aid in cognitive health, reduce inflammation, and improve physical performance.So what is caffeine, exactly?Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound called a trimethlxanthine, a stimulant that effects the central nervous system. It is found in a variety of plants and can be produced synthetically. Caffeine is in a lot of common food and beverages such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some protein drinks. It also is found in products derived from cacao beans (chocolate), kola nuts, yerba mate, and gaurana berries.Caffeine helps increase levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Because of its stimulant capabilities, it is considered a drug, which can have both benefits and risks.How can caffeine help the aging process?Assist in reducing chronic inflammation: A study in the journal Nature Medicine found that older adults who consumed caffeine regularly had lower levels of inflammation. This correlation suggests that caffeine may help the body stay at a healthier level of inflammation. Improve alertness and the ability to focus: Those neurotransmitters mentioned above are linked to attention, alertness, and focus. Caffeine also helps block adenosine, a neurotransmitter that makes influences feelings of fatigue. Boost physical performance: Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system with neurotransmitters, helping enhance functional performance and manual dexterity.Elevate mood and positive feelings: As mood disorders like depression and anxiety can become more prevalent as we age, caffeine can create a short-term mood lift and a greater sense of motivation to accomplish tasks.What are the negative effects of caffeine in older individuals?Disruption in sleep patterns: As we age our bodys metabolism changes, metabolizing caffeine a lot slower than we once were able to. Even consuming small amounts in the afternoon/evening could interfere with the ability to fall asleep, reducing the quality of sleep and energy levels during the daytime. Increased anxiety: Since caffeine stimulates the nervous system, it can often lead to restlessness or even panic-like symptoms in certain individuals. Digestive issues: Over time, our digestive tract can become more sensitive to food and drinks we ingest. Caffeine can irritate the stomach lining, increasing acid production, which can trigger heartburn or acid reflux. Increased risk of high blood pressure and heart palpitations: When consuming caffeine, blood pressure can temporarily increase as well as heart rate. In turn, this can increase the risk of complications with cardiovascular issues. Risk of overconsumption of caffeine: The recommended limit is 200 mg per day for older adults. 400 mg per day is the maximum limit that is safe, including all caffeine consumedeven in chocolate! Consuming more than the recommended amount can increase risk of symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, tremors, or in extreme cases neurological damage and cardiac issues. Overall, caffeine intake can play an important role in health, whether through its benefits or its risks. It is important to take it in moderation, and check on your health and wellbeing to make sure it is helping and not harming.In addition, in the Assisted Living department here at Kavod Senior Life, residents are free to enjoy caffeine as part of our meals or on their own in their apartments, on outings or with their families and friends. Our Care Managers and Wellness Coordinators do keep an eye on resident medications and any possible negative effects of caffeine consumption. They do this to ensure residents are not putting themselves at risk of any negative effects while still enjoying items like coffee, tea and of course chocolate.Check out more information on Assisted Living, https://www.kavodseniorlife.org/assisted-living/, our amenities https://www.kavodseniorlife.org/amenities/, and more!Sources:Caffeine: What It Is, Benefits and Side EffectsIs Coffee Bad? How Caffeine Might Slow Down Aging | TIMECaffeine: How much is too much? Mayo ClinicThe Effects of Caffeine on Different Age Groups | Healthfully9 Reasons Why (the Right Amount of) Coffee Is Good for You | Johns Hopkins MedicineHow Caffeine Affects Digestive HealthCrafted with the help of ChatGPT
It is commonly know that as we age, our skin changes. Normal aging includes skin becoming thinner and more fragile, as well as the potential of developing drier skin, wrinkles, age spots, and more seriously an increased risk of skin cancer. To help keep skin as healthy as possible while aging, it is best to develop a skin care routine. Unfortunately, according to Civic Center, 64% of people who already have a skin care routine (or dont have a skin care routine but are looking to start one), have felt somewhat or very stressed at the idea. It can be overwhelming to know which products to include, how many products are needed, and in what order do products need to be applied.The good news is that a skin care routine doesnt have to be complicated! At its core, a great every day way to care for skin includes cleansing, moisturizing, and using a sunscreen, as follows: Step 1: Cleanse.Cleansing your face with a facial cleanser/soap in the morning can help remove any build-up of sweat or oil from your hair or pillowcase. Mature skin should be treated with a mild and non-irritating cleanser that helps promote the skins natural oils. However, too much cleansing can dry out the face, so if your skin is especially dry, simply washing with water in the morning may be sufficient.Step 2: Moisturize.This is one of the most crucial steps. Even those with more oily skin should continuously moisturize in order to rehydrate the face. Use a moisturizer that is fragrance and oil-free is best for sensitive skin types. You can also use a moisturizer with these focused ingredients to target specific issues:Hyaluronic Acid helps replenish the skin, adds extra moisture while locking it in to give lasting effects.Retinol Accelerated retinol formulas help visibly improve the look of texture, wrinkles, and fine lines.Vitamin C helps with discoloration, uneven skin tone, and brightening. Step 3: Protect.Sunscreen is one of the most important and vital steps in the skin care routine. Applying a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF helps protect the skin from UV rays and decreases the chance of skin cancer. Sunscreens can either be mineral or chemical based.Mineral-based sunscreens block the suns rays from penetrating the skin through ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.Chemical sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays by absorbing them with ingredients like Octocrylene or Avobenzone.Starting with these three simple steps or continuing with them is a great way to keep the skin in good shape, no matter your age. Once you get in the swing of things, you can always check with a dermatologist or skin expert for additional recommendations or steps you can take to keep your skin at your best.Most of all, remember to smile your face will glow, no matter what!
Elison Assisted Living of Bella Vita is a vibrant senior living community located in the heart of Venice, Florida. Situated at 1420 E Venice Avenue, this community offers a blend of comfort, care, and coastal charm, providing residents with a lifestyle that feels like a permanent vacation.About Elison Assisted Living of Bella VitaElison Assisted Living of Bella Vita is dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors by offering personalized care in a luxurious setting. The community features a range of thoughtfully designed apartment options, including one-bedroom, one-bedroom deluxe, and two-bedroom layouts, all equipped with kitchenettes, bathrooms, and spacious living areas. Residents benefit from services such as housekeeping, maintenance, linen services, and 24-hour nurse access, ensuring a comfortable and secure living environment.Lifestyle and AmenitiesThe community is designed to foster an active and social lifestyle. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a beauty salon and barbershop, library, heated pool, billiards room, outdoor patio, and fitness room. A robust calendar of events and activities, such as arts and crafts, scheduled outings, exercise classes, and faith services, encourages engagement and community participation.Dining ExperienceDining at Elison Assisted Living of Bella Vita is a highlight, with a dedicated culinary team preparing three restaurant-quality meals daily. The menus feature fresh, local ingredients and are designed to cater to residents' preferences, making mealtime both nutritious and enjoyable.Location and CommunityLocated just minutes from local beaches, shops, and healthcare providers, Elison Assisted Living of Bella Vita offers residents the best of both worlds: a peaceful, tropical setting and easy access to the vibrant attractions of Venice, Florida. The community's central location ensures that residents can enjoy the area's natural beauty and amenities while receiving the care and support they need.