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Senior living has changed rapidly in the last few years. Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all approach. Now senior living communities across the country are tasked with providing not only top-notch service, but offerings that fit each resident’s unique needs. Generally, there are three main types of services that senior living communities offer: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Independent Living
Independent Living is best for people who can still live independently but want to enjoy amenities and live life without the burden of chores like maintaining a yard or home, housekeeping, and cooking. This option is great for those desiring socialization within a community
Assisted Living
Assisted Living is best for people who need some level of personal assistance in their day-to-day lives. This is a great option for people who are no longer able to live alone but may not need 24/7 care. Assisted Living offers supportive help with Activities of Daily Living and medications and includes coordination with medical providers.
Memory Care
Memory Care provides a more structured environment and is for residents who have Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. This option is for those needing the staff, surroundings, and programming specific to supporting those living with dementia.
When do you know it is time to look into senior living?
Determining when it’s the right time to look into senior living options can be difficult. Seniors can feel as though they are losing their independence or freedom. Here are some signs that it’s time to consider how senior living can provide a helpful hand to achieving a happy and active life:
· Increased number of falls or injuries
· Not taking medications correctly
· Difficulty with daily activities such as bathing or using the bathroom
· Unsafe behaviors such as leaving the stove on, or exterior doors left open
· Inability to manage home or yard upkeep
· Progressing medical conditions
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Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Carissa Brown, Executive Director with The Lodge at Greeley. For more information she may be reached at 970-393-5700 or by email at greeleyed@islllc.com
The holiday season is a time filled with joy and nostalgia, especially for seniors who have cherished memories of festive traditions. However, decorating for the holidays can also present challenges for seniors, particularly regarding safety and comfort. Ensuring a safe and joyful holiday environment is essential for seniors, and caregivers play a crucial role in making this happen. You want to explore more information about safe holiday decorating with seniors in mind. What Are Senior Needs?Seniors may experience physical limitations that affect their ability to decorate as they once did. These can include reduced mobility, balance issues, and decreased strength. You need to adapt holiday traditions to suit these changes, ensuring safety is a priority. There are minor changes you can make to accomplish this. Recognizing these needs helps prevent accidents and makes decorating a fun and inclusive activity.Choosing Age-Appropriate DecorWhen selecting decorations, choose items that are lightweight and easy to handle. Opt for non-breakable and flame-resistant materials to reduce the risk of accidents. Consider using battery-operated candles instead of traditional ones to prevent fire hazards. Incorporating sentimental and familiar items can also bring comfort and joy, allowing seniors to relive cherished memories without the need for heavy lifting or complex setups.Arranging Decorations SafelyTo minimize fall risks, secure any cords and avoid creating cluttered spaces. You want to place decorations at accessible heights, eliminating the need for seniors to reach or stretch excessively. Maintain clear pathways and ensure good lighting throughout decorated areas, making it easier for seniors to navigate their homes safely. These strategies help create a festive and hazard-free environment.Assisting With Challenging TasksSome decorating tasks may require caregiver assistance. Identify activities, like hanging decorations or reaching high places that could pose challenges for seniors. Use safe methods, such as step stools with handles, to hang decorations, ensuring stability and support. Encourage seniors to participate in decision-making and creative tasks, allowing them to stay engaged and involved without risking their safety.Engaging Seniors in the Decorating ProcessInvolving seniors in the planning and execution of holiday decor can be a rewarding experience. Engage them in activities like selecting themes, choosing decorations, or creating handmade ornaments. These activities offer emotional benefits, providing a sense of accomplishment and boosting their well-being. Encourage family involvement to create a communal experience, building connections and shared memories that make the holidays special.Decorate Safely for a Joyful Holiday SeasonCreating a joyful and safe holiday environment for seniors involves understanding their needs, choosing the appropriate decor, arranging items safely, and assisting with challenging tasks. Engaging seniors in the decorating process not only ensures safety but also enhances their holiday experience. For more support, consider contacting Senior Helpers Greeley. We provide professional caregiving assistance in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Longmont, ensuring a safe and happy holiday season for seniors. Let us help you make this holiday season a safe and memorable one for your loved ones. If you have any questions, call us at 970-373-3858.
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!
The Lodge at Greeleys Memory Care Neighborhood is designed specifically for residents with Alzheimers, dementia or other memory loss conditions. A single hall opens to an outdoor courtyard that encourages free movement, reduces anxiety and ties in with our communal activity room, sitting areas and dining area. Our team works with families to develop a personal and holistic care plan for each resident, including medication management, and individual apartments are designed with features that cue positive action. As part of our all-inclusive price, residents also enjoy three chef-prepared meals served daily, plus snacks; access to services such as weekly housekeeping and laundry services; amenities including a beauty salon, sunroom and a common kitchen for food-focused resident activities; as well as social activities and programs designed to encourage socialization and engagement. Our beautiful campus is outfitted with advanced technology for safety, security and entertainment, including personal emergency pendants available upon request.
At The Lodge at Greeley Senior Living, we cultivate an inclusive, energizing, family-like environment where residents are involved, engaged and take pride in giving back to their local community. Our studio and one-bedroom independent living apartments include a full kitchen and provide for an active, fulfilling home life minus the worry of home maintenance and repairs. As part of our all-inclusive price, residents also enjoy restaurant-style dining, with one chef-prepared meal served daily; access to services such as weekly housekeeping and scheduled transportation to appointments; and amenities including an on-site theater, game room, exercise room, beauty salon, greenhouse and outdoor dining area. We also offer a robust schedule of wellness programs, life enrichment activities and social events focused on residents interests and preferences. Located minutes from restaurants, shopping, and amenities, The Lodge at Greeleys pet-friendly campus is outfitted with advanced technology for safety, security and entertainment, including an emergency alert system.
Seniors who value their independence but still need some help with daily tasks will appreciate The Lodge at Greeley Senior Livings assisted living option, which prioritizes an individual's preferences and safety to support resident well-being. With multiple levels of personalized care available, as well as medication management, our team works with families and residents to craft an individualized care plan helping each resident thrive. At The Lodge at Greeley, Assisted Living residents also enjoy their own studio or one-bedroom apartment; restaurant-style dining, with three chef-prepared meals served daily, plus snacks; weekly housekeeping and laundry services and scheduled transportation to appointments; amenities including an exercise room, beauty salon, greenhouse and outdoor dining area; and a robust schedule of wellness programs, life enrichment activities and social events. Located minutes from restaurants, shopping, and amenities, The Lodge at Greeley is a pet-friendly campus outfitted with advanced technology for safety, security and entertainment, including personal emergency pendants.