When its time to leave the hospital following illness, injury or surgery, youll need specialized care to regain your strength and mobility. If these services arent readily accessible and convenient to your home, youll have to search for qualified care, and contend with travel to and from the rehab center for days or weeks, possibly in inclement weather. Family members wishing to be involved in your care may also find these logistics challenging. People who live in a retirement community offering on-site rehabilitation services have a much easier time transitioning from hospital to home.Short-term nursing and rehab services, right where you live:When you choose to live in a continuing care retirement community, youll enjoy an independent retirement lifestyle filled with cultural, educational and recreational opportunities. Some offer on-site rehabilitation services. So if the need for short-term rehab care should arise, or if you plan to have surgery at a specific time, you can dovetail these services to maximize your comfort and convenience, and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.Rehab services at a good retirement community should be led by a Medical Director who is also a medical doctor. At a minimum, the program should include physical, occupational and speech therapies. The rehab team should monitor your progress and adjust your care plan as needed. The best service providers will meet with you ahead of time, review your clinical information, lead the admissions process, and guide you every step of the way. They should consult with your family and personal physicians as well. The staff might include:Medical DirectorDirector of NursingRegistered NursesLicensed Practical NursesDieticianSocial WorkerTherapeutic Recreation DirectorLicensed Speech, Occupational and Rehabilitation TherapistsAdditional considerations:Look for staffing ratios that exceed state and national standards. Inquire about the centers capacity to handle clinically complex therapies, such as post-surgery recovery, cardiac/pulmonary rehab, or joint replacement rehabilitation. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have a 5-star rating system. Ask about this and any other ratings your prospective rehabilitation center has earned. You should also ask whether therapy is available seven days a week, and if the center accepts direct admission or requires an entrance fee.Finding the right community that offers these high-caliber rehabilitation services on site can make living in retirement not only more enjoyable, but more convenient as well.This article was submitted by an affiliate of The Health Center at Meadow Ridge, 100 Redding Road Redding, CT.For information, call 1.866.780.0312 or visit MeadowRidge.com.

The feisty generation of the 50s and 60s is now carrying AARP Creds. They have raised children and taken care of their moms and dads. Many of these new seniors have one thing in common with the greatest generation before them; they want to remain independent and living safely in their own homes. More open minded than earlier generations, they are exploring todays technologies to help them age comfortably in the homes they have enjoyed for so many years. This group has the internet at their fingertips to search for the latest products and ideas. No longer do they adapt to their homes, this group is adapting their home to them. It is no surprise that marketing has caught up to these seniors, with the size of the boomer generation, it was only a matter of time. Modifications can range from color coordinated grab bars to European style walk in showers. Ramps no longer have to have the bare wood look, they can be incorporated into the landscape. Not every modification needs to be large or expensive. A level door handle can work for anyone, but it is also a valuable aid to the arthritic hand. The choices are becoming endless to assist specific needs.Help and advice for current or future needs are also available now more than ever in the past. Many businesses and agencies offer help to seniors trying to remain at home. Solving a current situation or planning for the future can be done with the help of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists, also known as CAPS. This certification is a cooperative effort by the AARP and National Association of Home Builders to certify specialists in the area of home modifications to help seniors make informed decisions. These people have the expertise to help seniors adapt their homes to meet their specific needs with design and build ideas. Creating a first floor living environment in your existing home or building an addition to include a bedroom and bathroom before you retire is forward thinking. Perhaps you already have a first floor bathroom but want a larger, barrier free one to make life easier as you age. Moving a laundry room from the basement to the first floor is always a great idea. Whatever you needs will be, it is not a bad time to become a senior.This article was submitted by Bruce Lawler, Lawler & Sons Design & Construction for Independent Living; a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. 203-985-8121

In the tapestry of life, social connections are the vibrant threads that weave together our experiences, joys and challenges. For seniors, these social connections hold even greater significance, serving as a cornerstone for their overall well-being, contributing to a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. In this blog, we explore the many benefits of senior friendship and shed light on how these connections truly enrich retirement.The Human Need for ConnectionFrom the moment were born, humans thrive on connection. As we age, this need remains steadfast, if not more crucial than ever. Seniors with strong social networks feel connected, valued and supported, benefiting their overall well-being and health.The companionship of friends serves as a powerful buffer against the challenges that can accompany aging. Maintaining close friendships has even been linked to decreased levels of loneliness and depression in seniors. The simple act of sharing stories, laughter and moments of vulnerability creates an emotional support system that helps seniors navigate lifes ups and downs with resilience and positivity.How Senior Living Fosters FriendshipsAt Anthology Senior Living, daily engagement encourages residents to bond with loved ones, build new friendships and explore new passions. Designed around our core philosophy and using our six dimensions of wellness, the Elements Life Enrichment program truly nurtures full mind, body and spirit. Whether participating in a group fitness class, joining other residents for an off-site excursion or playing a poker game, new experiences keep residents energized and encourage them to make the most of every day.Seniors at Anthology of Burlington Creek can enjoy a variety of events and activities. These aim to spark curiosity, promote engagement and bring happiness to their daily lives, keeping seniors connected.How Social Connections Keep Seniors HealthyScientific research underscores the life-changing impact of social interactions on senior health. Spending time with friends, family and peers links to a range of benefits, including:Mental and emotional well-being: Regular social engagement can help combat feelings of depression and loneliness in seniors, leading to a more positive outlook on life.Cognitive health: Engaging in stimulating conversations, participating in group activities and sharing experiences can help maintain cognitive function and even reduce the risk of cognitive decline. These interactions stimulate cognitive functions, keeping the brain active and sharp. Friendships help us grow mentally and learn new things by discussing current events, sharing memories and exploring new interests. Staying social can lower risk of depression, improve brain health and possibly slow down the progression of dementia, according to the Alzheimers Association.Physical health: Believe it or not, friendships can have a tangible impact on seniors physical health. Engaging in social activities for seniors and spending quality time with friends can reduce stress levels and promote a healthier immune system. Friends motivate each other to be active, do fun things and take care of themselves, which improves their well-being.Longevity: Studies suggest that seniors with active social lives tend to live longer, enjoying a higher quality of life as they age.Embracing Technology for ConnectionIn todays digital age, technology has opened new avenues for seniors to stay connected, even when physical distances separate them. Video calls, social media platforms and online interest groups offer opportunities to forge connections beyond the walls of their immediate surroundings, fostering a sense of unity and shared experiences.How Do I Meet New Friends After Retirement?As we grow older, finding friends and staying socially active doesnt happen on its own. It demands dedication, encouragement and persistent effort to cultivate genuine bonds.Here are several ways seniors can meet new people and reap the health advantages of social engagement:Try volunteering within your local community.Seek the support of community resources, like senior centers and senior living communities.Enroll in classes or workshops, whether for learning new skills or for leisure. This introduces you to people with shared interests, and the setting encourages regular interactions, making it easier to form friendships.Attend local events, fairs, markets and festivals. These gatherings often attract people from the community, providing an opportunity to strike up conversations and make new social connections.Participate in fitness classes, yoga sessions, walking groups or other exercise programs designed for seniors. Where Is the Best Place for Seniors to Make Friends?One of the best places for seniors to establish and nurture meaningful friendships is within a senior living community. These communities are designed to create an environment that promotes companionship and shared experiences, making them the perfect place for seniors to establish new connections.At Anthology, we understand the power of social connections. We create a lively atmosphere where people connect, laugh and form friendships through enjoyable activities like arts and crafts and communal dining. We design our events to spark conversations, forge bonds and provide the nurturing connections that contribute to healthier, happier lives.Whether its a beautiful day out in the park with friends, a festive BBQ or a vibrant dance class, residents at Anthology of Olathe are greeted with connection every day. Anthology of Boynton Beach celebrates seniors with social activities like happy hours and chef demos that foster connections.Creating a Community of ConnectionWe cannot overstate the importance of social connections and how they keep seniors healthy. As we get older, the relationships we build with loved ones and peers are crucial for our overall health and happiness. For older adults looking for these social connections, senior living communities can offer a way to make new friendships and form a consistent support group.

Share your wishesAfter the often hectic buzz and planning of the holidays, we need a little time to regroup, reflect and set new resolutions come January. Maybe you've planned the holidays, the gifts, the decorations and who gets the guest bedroom. Now its time to think about you. Do your loved ones know how you'd want to be cared for if you couldn't advocate for yourself due to a serious illness or injury? Do they know if you would want extraordinary measures including being on a respirator to keep you alive? Are they aware whether or not you want comfort measures, including aggressive symptom management, to keep you comfortable until death? The decisionsabout your treatment and healthcare should be yours.Plan for the What if?While we wish and dream for many things, its understandable that even thinking about death may make us uncomfortable -- and yet a dignified and peaceful death is what we wish for. That sense of discomfort is nothing compared to thestress you and or your loved ones could endure if you haven't shared your final wishes before you are unable to actively make a decision on your own behalf. Additionally, its important to appoint someone who will act for you if any medical condition or circumstance should occur where you cannot speak for yourself. A Simple Form An Advance Directive is a legal document which expresses these preferences. It can contain a Living Will, the naming of a healthcare representative or both. Surprisingly, its pretty simple and can be done in a matter or minutes perhaps some of the most important minutes you can spend to help yourself and your family. You don't need a lawyer or a notary, just a good form and a pen to sign the document in the presence of two witnesses.We Can HelpRegional Hospice and Home Care can help. Visit us at regionalhospicect.org and download a copy of Advanced Directives, What you Should Know. Or, you canemail us at info@regionalhospicect.org and we can send it to you. Make your preferences known while you can consciously and thoughtfully planthem. Make sure to prepare for unexpected healthcare needs and make those final weeks or days less stressful for you and your loved ones by sharing thesewishes now.Make a resolution to get those wishes defined and shared before the next holiday