Cornwall Manor

If you can think ahead and have intentional conversations with loved ones, your communication and closeness will only improve. Maybe youd like to talk to your aging parents about some important topics like finances and medical decisions, but youre not sure where to begin. Heres how to get started so your conversations with your parents can be productive and helpful. How to Talk to Aging Parents About Their Future Bringing up these sensitive topics as a shared conversation shows your parents that youre ready to hear their thoughts. If you dont know what your parents are thinking, how can you help them plan? Let your parents know the conversation is about them and their wishes for the future. Give your parents as much agency as possible. Resist any temptation to jump ahead and put a plan together yourself. Simply guide the conversation with questions that allow your parents to express their thoughts, feelings, concerns and plans. You should also share whats important to you, but start by listening to understand the values, goals and needs of your parents. This shift of perspective is essential. Your parents have probably heard the dreaded phrase of parenting your parent so there may well be a natural suspicion of your attempts to broach subjects they deem personal or private. Its your job to reassure them that you want to be on the same team. You want to be a partner in their best future. Your goal is to collaborate with them to make sure that their needs, beliefs, and values are upheld. Reassure them that as children of aging parents, you are never attempting to switch roles. Topics for Seniors to Discuss Theres a lot you should cover with aging parents. However, you should frame these conversations around the most important considerations for aging older adults: security, independence, freedom, peace of mind, family, friends, and choices. Be sure to ask, What is most important to you? This will help you find out whether your concerns are the same as your parents. Let them know what you have identified and ask if they ever think of those same concerns or if they have identified others. Have they considered the same things you have, or are they thinking in a different direction? Here are few topic areas that are important to discuss with your parents: Legal Issues:  At the very least your parent should have an up-to-date will, a durable power of attorney for both legal and healthcare decisions, and a living will. You should know where these documents are, and that your parents physician has a copy of documents relating to healthcare. While most documents can be drawn up on ones own, its a good idea to see an attorney specializing in elder law who can advise you on your particular situation. Estate Plan:  If their plan is to pass property to family members, have they talked to a financial advisor about the best way to do that? How can their assets help provide for their care in case of a potential decline in health or incapacity? It is important to speak with a professional and ensure that it is reviewed regularly. Medical Expenses:  Medicare doesnt pay for long-term care, and an annual nursing home bill can easily reach over $100,000. What is your plan for paying for long-term care, should the need arise? Does your parent have long-term care insurance? Is he or she near the level for Medicaid benefits? Simplify your parents finances as much as possible through direct deposit and automatic bill pay. Medical Care:  Does your parents have one doctor who can coordinate care? Its important to have someone who is the captain of the ship. Do your parents keep a list of every medication they take? Take a written list of all medications and supplements to every medical appointment. Housing:  This can be a tough conversation to have, especially with a healthy parent. Find out where your parent would like to live if she had to leave her current home. Do your parents want to stay in their current home as long as possible? Or are they considering downsizing or moving to a senior living community? Whatever their choices, help them find options. What home care services are available? What options do they have for personal care? Be careful not to make any promises you cant keep. Home Modifications:  Is your parents home keeping up with their needs? What repairs and modifications could make their house, apartment or condominium safer and more convenient? From non-slip stair coverings to walk-in shower stalls, find out how to improve their home so they can safely live independently. Wellness:  Do your parents have a plan to stay active? Study after study shows that regular physical activity is the most important contributor to healthy aging. No matter what a persons condition, adding exercise is of benefit. Meaningful social interaction is also vital to overall health for people of every age. Recent studies show that older adults who socialize, not only with family members, but also with other groups, have better emotional, intellectual and physical health. Home Safety:  Many older adults are reluctant to discuss their risk or experiences with falls. But did you know that fall protection is actually an important part of planning for the future? Falls are one of the leading causes of incapacity and one risk factor that we can take proactive steps to avoid. Conduct regular home safety inspections to identify areas of high risk in the home, and make changes where necessary. End-of-Life Care:  This is a conversation no one wants to have, but its so important. If your parent says he would want you to pull the plug, make sure you know what that means and in what situations it applies. While talking about end-of-life care is hard, its also rewarding. It can bring a new level of trust and intimacy into your relationship. These topics are intended to provide a framework for people who would like to speak to their aging parents about planning for the future. If the teamwork aspect isnt working as well as youd like, consider adding outside members to the team. Perhaps a known healthcare provider, physician, financial planner or even a trusted family friend can provide valuable help and guidance. Start the Conversation The best advice is to plan carefully and think through such conversations so that they are as positive and productive as possible. Write down what you think needs to be discussed so you dont forget anything. Try not to approach this important opportunity as The Conversation, but as an ongoing series of conversations. Address one issue at a time rather than trying to resolve everything at once. It is less intimidating that way. If you start small, you are more likely to start. And your parent will be more likely to participate. If you still feel unsure about starting this type of discussion with your parents, run your ideas past other family members or a professional. You may want to consider getting a neutral party involved. Professionals such as physicians, case managers, social workers, lawyers or financial advisers can help you and your parents navigate aging. You might also consider a social worker, geriatric care manager or representative from a local senior center or retirement community. Their expertise and experience can be invaluable in helping support you and your parents find solutions to your challenges and provide a positive path to all the places life can go.  

As the baby boomer generation continues to age, its becoming more common for their children to begin having discussions regarding their parents care. Talking to your siblings about your aging parents, however, can present several challenges as brothers and sisters often disagree about how to help their parents adjust to health changes that make day-to-day tasks challenging. Here are some suggestions for how to start a discussion with your family and hopefully remedy disagreements about your parents care: Include Your Parents in the Discussion Parents tend to be forgotten by their children when it comes to discussing parents care. Your parents participation is essential, though, as the decisions you and your siblings make directly affect them. Allow your mom or dad to voice their opinion but also be honest regarding their options. If your parents still want to drive, for example, but has been in several accidents in the past few months, you and your siblings need to explain that driving is no longer an option. Sometimes hard choices such as taking the keys away or involving your parents physician may be necessary- and it is imperative that family members are in agreement. Your parents opinion can also help you and your siblings move forward with decisions. If your parents are interested in an option, such as moving to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), then its easier to begin touring communities and finding out whats available, instead of continuing to debate among your siblings. Encourage everyone to be a part of the process- including reading the contracts, understanding fees, and visiting facilities. If your parents dont already have a designated Power of Attorney- for medical and financial decisions- then have that discussion and visit an attorney to have the necessary documents prepared. This also applies to wills, trusts or any other estate planning documents that will be vital to having your parents involved in decision making.   Avoid Arguments Children often become their parents caregivers over time, such as by driving them to appointments, picking up items from the store, preparing meals and more. Caring for a parent is an immense amount of work and responsibility, and it can be mentally, physically and emotionally draining. Understand that your brother or sister may be committing most of their free time to helping your parents, which can make them confrontational in discussions. They may feel you dont understand the time and effort they are giving to care for your parents this is common in situations where every sibling, except for one, lives out of state or a substantial distance from their parents and are unable to help care for their mom or dad. Listen to your sister or brothers concerns and allow them to share their frustrations. Beginning discussions about your mom or dads care with an argument doesnt lead to a productive discussion. If you disagree with a suggestion, such as hiring an in-home nurse, voice it in a logical, non-confrontational manner and provide an alternative option.   Share Updates Continuous communication is an important factor when discussing care options for your parents, especially if siblings live far away and are only able to keep in touch through long distance communication. Leaving siblings out of discussions can lead to more frustration and arguments. If you and your siblings discussed a CCRC, for example, and youre touring locations with your parents, update your brothers or sisters on your parents response, as well as their impression of the community. You should also provide them with information about the cost, amenities and services of each location. Use a Professional Family dynamics may make counseling a suitable option for talking to your siblings about your parents care. Family mediators can ease tense situations or disagreements, while also helping you and your siblings communicate better about your concerns or opinions. Mediators are also equipped to hold sessions over the phone through conference calls, which lets them talk to you and your family regardless of where you reside. Many areas have geriatric care managers who specialize in helping families navigate the many options and services available. Some family counselors specialize in the area of care for older parents. Their expertise can help your family members share their feelings in a productive and considerate manner and also provide suggestions for your familys concerns. If your parent should no longer drive, for example, but youre unable to help, your counselor may suggest speaking to their clergy or physician for assistance. Choosing a Care Option for Your Parents CCRCs are an option for many families choose when discussing their parents care because they provide independence, as well as any supportive care your parents need. At Cornwall Manor, weve provided compassionate care for older adults for more than 65 years and have served as a resource for families. As one of our residents describes, The sense of freedom in living here is so refreshing. Our home is perfect for us and the people, both residents and staff, are consistently wonderfulOur children are happy for us. Learn more about our options, amenities and services by contacting us today.

Finding a retirement community that truly adapts to lifes changes is one of the most important decisions youll make. According to AARP, 75% of adults wish to stay in their communities as they age a natural desire for stability and familiarity. A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) fulfills this vision through its continuum of care, letting you age in place with confidence and peace of mind. All it takes is one decision, one move and one community that can support you for life. From vibrant independent living to personal care and skilled nursing services, you get everything you need in one location. With therapy services, on-site physicians and a nurturing space with numerous social opportunities, a CCRC can enrich your life at every stage. What Does a Continuum of Care Mean in Senior Living? In senior living, the continuum of care means receiving a full spectrum of support within one community. Instead of wondering if you can stay in the same community if your health declines, youll have peace of mind knowing the answer is yes. This is your permanent home, regardless of how your needs evolve over time. This model spans from active, independent living to more comprehensive support, all available on the same campus where youve built friendships and created memories. The residential care spectrum usually ranges from independent housing to facilities providing around-the-clock medical care. In a Life Plan Community with a continuum of care, these levels exist side by side, so you dont need to relocate when your needs change. You remain part of the same vibrant community, surrounded by familiar faces and places, with access to exactly the level of support that fits your life right now. The Levels of Care in a CCRC Aging in place in a CCRC is a reality with its levels of care working together to create a seamless experience. Each level offers distinct lifestyle benefits that help support your independence and well-being. Vibrant Independent Living Independent living is designed for active adults ready to embrace retirement as a new chapter, not a time to wind down. This is a lifestyle upgrade for people who still have places to go, interests to pursue and adventures ahead. Imagine your days filled with social activities, fitness classes and cultural events while someone else handles yard work, repairs and household chores. Youll have the freedom to travel, pursue hobbies and engage with a community of like-minded peers who share your energy and curiosity about life. Supportive Personal Care When you need assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing or managing your medications, personal care provides the right level of support. This isnt about restriction its about receiving help when you need it while maintaining your autonomy and dignity. Compassionate staff members become familiar faces who understand your preferences and routines, offering support that feels less like service and more like partnership. Comprehensive Health and Skilled Nursing Services For those with significant health needs requiring round-the-clock professional attention, skilled nursing care delivers security and expertise. Having this level of care available on the same campus where youve lived means your loved ones can visit easily, and you remain connected to the community you know. Medical professionals and therapy services can help you when health challenges arise. Why Choose a CCRC? Advantages for You and Your Family Beyond the practical aspects of available care, the CCRC model offers many benefits that enhance your quality of life and bring peace of mind to your family. A Proactive Plan for Lasting Well-Being  Choosing a CCRC can give you more clarity and confidence about the future. Rather than waiting for a crisis to dictate your next move, youre creating a plan that adapts to whatever comes next. When evaluating the different communities, look for accreditation like that from LeadingAge, a key marker of quality that indicates a community meets rigorous standards for operations, resident care and financial stability. This proactive approach allows you to focus on living well today while knowing that tomorrow is already taken care of. Thriving Through Social Connections and Activities Social connections and access to engaging activities are vital to quality of life as we age, especially when supported by assistance for changing health needs. CCRC communities foster these connections naturally through shared dining, classes, outings and recreational programs. Youre not just moving to a place with health services youre joining a community where friendships flourish and every day offers opportunities for engagement and growth. Providing Clarity and Confidence for the Whole Family The quality of care in a CCRC extends beyond the resident to embrace the entire family. Adult children often carry the weight of caregiving responsibilities while juggling careers and their own families. A CCRC can reduce the caregiving burden for family members by providing professional support, medical oversight and a secure environment. Instead of worrying about whether their loved one is safe, eating well or taking medications correctly, families can simply enjoy spending quality time together. How Cornwall Manor Delivers on the Promise of Seamless Care Cornwall Manor embodies everything the CCRC continuum of care represents, with distinctive features that set us apart. Our compassionate senior living staff members create an environment where you feel at home, supported by people who know your name and care about your well-being. Located near Hershey, Lancaster and Lebanon, weve been serving Pennsylvania families for decades with a commitment to quality thats built on trust and experience. A Full Spectrum of On-Campus Health Services We offer personal care, skilled nursing care, therapy services and an Wellness Office right here on campus. This means you wont need to arrange transportation for medical appointments or navigate unfamiliar facilities when health needs arise. Everything is conveniently located within our community, making it easier to care for your health and keep your independence. Our integrated approach means that whether you need physical therapy after a procedure or routine medical care, professional help is just steps away from your residence. Our Fee-for-Service Promise Unlike many retirement communities, Cornwall Manor operates on a fee-for-service model. You wont be required to prepay for future health care you may or may not use, giving you financial flexibility and control over your resources. This approach, part of our commitment as a not-for-profit organization, ensures you only pay for the services you actually need, when you need them. Experience the Future of Retirement Living Today Cornwall Manor brings the promise of seamless care to life in a community where you can truly thrive. We provide a full spectrum of services, from independent living and personal care to skilled nursing, therapy services and an on-site Visiting Physicians Office. This way, you have all that you need in one place. Our fee-for-service model means you wont prepay for future care you may never use. Enjoy an active, fulfilling retirement while knowing support is always available when you need it. Schedule a visit with us today and experience The New Nature of Senior Living firsthand.

 As a caregiver, its easy to be so engrossed in taking care of someone else that you forget to take care of your own health. But its only when you take care of your health that you can effectively help others. For this reason, well be looking at the effects of caregiving on your health, what you should do to avoid caregiver burnout and how to quickly identify caregiver burnout symptoms. What Is Caregiver Burnout? Caregiver burnout is a form of exhaustion that affects your mind, body and emotions. It may be marked by a change in your mood, from a positive to a negative or complacent one. Burnout may take place when caregivers dont receive the assistance they need or when they attempt to do more than they have the capacity for, either financially or physically. Caregiver burnout is usually accompanied by stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, most caregivers feel guilty about spending time on themselves. How Can a Caregiver Avoid Burnout and Take Care of Themselves? To avoid caregiver burnout, you should take these steps: Find a trustworthy confidant like a friend, neighbor or co-worker, and tell them about your frustrations and exhaustion. Be realistic about your goals. Dont take on too much work. Ask others to help you with some tasks. Understand the nature of your loved ones condition and be realistic about it, particularly if its a debilitating disease like Alzheimers or Parkinsons disease. Dont neglect your health because youre busy taking care of another person. Set time aside to care for yourself every day even if its just one or two hours. Remember that taking proper care of yourself is essential for you to be an effective caregiver for your loved one. Speak with a professional. Schedule a brief meeting with a professional counselor. You can choose a social worker, therapist or clergyman whos trained to counsel individuals with physical and emotional challenges. Make use of respite care services. A respite care service will give you a temporary break. This could be for just a few hours to receive in-home care or in an assisted living facility. Mind your limits and do a regular check of your fitness. Accept your potential for burnout and avoid it. Get informed. Educate yourself about your loved ones illness. The more knowledge you have about it, the better care youll provide. Adopt new tools to cope with the situation. Focus on the positive aspects of your situation. Get some humor into your day through TV, radio or books, and use it to reduce daily stress. Eat a healthy diet. Make sure you eat at least three well-balanced meals daily. Get sufficient exercise and sleep. You need to sleep well for at least eight hours every night and do simple exercises. For example, you could take a 30-minute walk at least three times a week to maintain fitness. Join a group for extra support. You can share your experiences and feelings with other caregivers in a support group. This will enable you to manage stress, find useful resources and remain connected to other people. Use home health services. Talk to an agency that can provide in-home care or contact a nurse, if you need extra help when your loved one is very ill. Use a caregiver support service. You can receive highly focused help from a service thats committed to helping people in your situation. Consult national organizations. Search for local chapters that can help those dealing with stroke, Alzheimers or Parkinsons disease. Theyll be able to answer questions about support groups and respite care. What Are the Symptoms of Caregiver Burnout? The main caregiver burnout symptoms are almost the same as those of depression and stress. In most cases, they include the following: Being easily irritable Excessive consumption of alcohol, sedatives and other medications for sleep Intense exhaustion makes you physically and emotionally weak An unhealthy feeling that makes you desire to hurt yourself or your loved one Frequent illnesses Changes in your sleep patterns accompanied by tiredness in the morning and difficulty sleeping at night Changes in your appetite either eating too much or loss of appetite Rapid increase or loss of weight Having a feeling of hopelessness Losing interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed A tendency to withdraw from friends and family Caregivers need to set realistic goals for themselves and take proper care of their health to avoid burnout. Recognizing the early signs of burnout will also help prevent a total breakdown of emotional and physical health. Help ensure your loved ones get the care they need and schedule your visit to Cornwall Manor today.

Todays older adults have more choices for retirement communities than at any point in history. There are thousands of retirement communities that offer different services and levels of healthcare for residents, and it can be challenging to evaluate your options if you arent familiar with the different terms used to define programs. Understanding the most common terms is an essential first step in finding the right retirement community. Life Plan Community vs. CCRC vs. Life Care These three terms can be confusing, as they are all related. Retirement is increasingly seen as a time of reinvention and an opportunity to make the most of every moment. Older adults want to preserve and enjoy their vitality rather than focus on the care they may need later on in life, and retirement communities have responded to this by placing greater emphasis on: Multiple levels of care in one location. Health, wellness and active lifestyles. Community integration and social responsibility. A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) is a community that offers residents the full continuum of care, so they can continue living in the same place throughout their life. Living in a CCRC allows people to stay comfortable and build relationships with others in the community, while receiving access to services like: Healthcare Meals Housekeeping Transportation Emergency medical help Additionally, CCRCs place significant emphasis on recreational, educational and social activities to keep residents intellectually and emotionally healthy. The central concept behind CCRCs is that the majority of older adults want to retain as much independence as possible throughout their life. Many people begin their CCRC residency while fully independent, allowing them to get to know their new community and their neighbors as they continue to enjoy their hobbies and interests. As time goes on, its natural for older adults to find that household tasks like mowing the lawn and keeping the floors clean become too physically demanding. When more intensive medical care is needed, residents may move into the part of the community designated for round-the-clock personal care or nursing services. This is where the benefits of a CCRC come in. Instead of having to move to a new community, residents may simply plan to move to a different area of the CCRC or receive additional assistance in their current residence. The great benefit of a CCRC is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you will be able to receive the assistance and care you need as your needs continue to change. A Life Plan Community offers a comprehensive solution for older adults looking for a supportive living environment that adapts to their changing needs over time. When researching a Life Plan Community vs. CCRC, many CCRCs now call themselves Life Plan Communities, but all offer the same type of retirement living and levels of care. What Is Life Care Community? Life care is a type of contract that you may choose when entering a life plan or CCRC community. Known as a Type A contract, life care covers all potential healthcare costs upfront. You pay for housing, amenities and services that span all levels of care as you begin to need them. Living in a life care community can provide retirees with the necessary support and resources to enjoy a fulfilling and secure lifestyle. Families can rest assured knowing their loved ones are in a supportive environment that caters to their needs and well-being. While every life care community is a CCRC, not all CCRCs offer life care as an option. Difference Between Cost and Monthly Fees A CCRC requires that residents pay an entrance fee, as well as a monthly charge. The initial entrance fee costs vary between communities and depend on the care plan contract you choose. A life care contract (Type A) , also known as an extended contract, is the most expensive option. It allows individuals to receive unlimited personal and nursing care as needed, without incurring additional charges. A modified contract provides individuals with a set of services for a set length of time. Once that time frame is up, you can obtain further services for a higher monthly fee. In a Fee for Service contract (Type C), you only pay for the services you use at the time. The entrance cost and monthly fees start out lower while you are living independently, but the monthly fee will increase when personal care or nursing services are needed. The monthly fees in a CCRC cover the wide array of amenities and services residents enjoy in the community. The fee is based on a variety of factors, including whether the residence is single or double occupancy, its size and the number of services rendered  such as housekeeping or provided meals. What to Consider When Selecting a CCRC A CCRC can be a place of joy and personal growth, but only if you select the right one. In addition to reviewing costs and monthly fees, consider the following criteria as you narrow your options: Atmosphere: The retirement community you select will be your home, and it should feel like one. Do you like the look of the property? Does the style of the residences appeal to you? Are residents friendly and engaged? Ensure you can picture yourself living there for years to come. Enrichment: Youve decided on a CCRC in part because you want to live life to the fullest. Does the community offer the type of social and recreational engagements youre interested in? Check the calendar of events and talk to the activities director to get a clear picture of day-to-day activities. Services: Some communities provide only the bare minimum in regards to services, while others take care of everything from housekeeping to yard upkeep and maintenance. Are you looking for a five-star experience or just the basics? Amenities: Community amenities that address wellness, spirituality and fun are important to your experience. Are there outdoor features like walking trails? Do you have your sights set on a pool and spa? Are you interested in wellness classes and pastoral services? Ensure the community offers a variety of amenities suited to your desires. Tax benefits: Maximizing your retirement income should be a priority. Does the state youre choosing tax retirement income? Familiarizing yourself with applicable retirement taxes can make a big difference in your budget. See the Difference in Cornwall Manor If youre planning your retirement and looking for a continuing care retirement community in the Northeast, Cornwall Manor should top your list. Voted Best Retirement Community by the Lebanon Daily News, Cornwall Manor offers you the services to enjoy the quality of life you have worked so hard to earn in retirement. To learn more about living at Cornwall Manor, you can call us at 717-276-8434 or fill out our contact form. We invite you to schedule a visit to see the advantages we offer, and you can even spend the night to see why Cornwall Manor is a perfect place to retire in Pennsylvania.