Choosing the right assisted living community for your older loved one is not a decision to make lightly. If you’ve ever tried to have the assisted living conversation with your senior parents, you’ve probably encountered some resistance or even flat out denial that they would benefit from a senior community. Unfortunately, outdated notions around loss of independence or rigid schedules in senior living …
When a family member is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is affected. Immediately after a cancer diagnosis, family members, spouses, and close friends mobilize and figure out how to be caregivers and provide emotional support to their loved one. It can be a trying time for everyone involved. You’ll cycle through many emotions and we want to assure …
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with dementia , you may feel overwhelmed and confused about how best to move forward. You’ll undoubtedly have many questions about providing the best care, how to keep them engaged and interested in mental and physical activities, and how to keep them comfortable and safe. Staying mentally and physically active …
If someone you love has been diagnosed with arthritis, you’re probably wondering how to offer support and help them manage this common condition. First, it’s important to know that there are many different types of arthritis. Some of the most common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. Most forms of arthritis …
United Methodist Communities earned a Silver Award from McKnight’s 2021 Excellence in Technology Awards program. The New Jersey-based nonprofit senior care provider was recognized in the Skilled Nursing division, Innovator of the Year category, for successfully implementing VirtuSense remote resident monitoring devices during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. When infection control protocols and safety …
If you’re trying to decide on the best approach to care for your senior loved one, you may be wondering what the differences are between assisted living and home care. The good news is, when it comes to care for older adults, families now have many flexible options to suit their specific circumstances. Perhaps you …
Have you recently become a caregiver for someone with dementia? As we get older, most of us will likely need assistance from family and friends, but providing memory care for seniors comes with a specific set of challenges. In this article, we’ll discuss several common learning experiences you’ll probably go through while caring for someone …
The hot summer days are now behind us. As we enjoy cooler temperatures, crisp fall air, and the beautiful changing foliage, it’s a great time to get out and get active with the older adults in your life. If you’re looking for festive fall activities for seniors in NJ, we’ve got several great suggestions that …
By Pamela Joyce, Director of Social Services Even with his mask on, you can tell George Shomo is smiling. He is always, without a doubt, donning his New York Yankee baseball cap. This was not always the case. Mr. Shomo has worn many different hats throughout his life. Mr. Shomo attended elementary school in Sea …
If someone you love is about to enter hospice care, you and your family may have questions about what will happen, what hospice care includes, and how the process works. Hospice care is a type of palliative care for people with terminal illnesses, and the aim is to provide the person with the highest levels of comfort …
Helping the older adults in your life stay active and engaged is vital for their wellbeing, and it’s also a great way to strengthen your relationship and special bond with them. You can discover new interests together, engage in new hobbies that will help them maintain key critical thinking and motor skills, and establish more …
When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the diagnosis affects the person’s entire family. As the caregiver for someone with dementia, you’ve likely experienced the frustration and difficulty that so commonly accompanies this condition. You may have also found yourself feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you’re doing the right thing. The team at our …
September 12th is National Grandparents Day! If you’re looking for some fun ways to celebrate these special people in your life, our assisted living team has put together some ideas that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you see your grandparents on a regular basis or only a few times a year, September 12th is a special …
If you’ve been advised that your loved one needs palliative care , you may be wondering what exactly palliative care is, and how it will benefit your loved one. Our hospice care team in South Jersey has put together this helpful guide to answer some basic questions about palliative care, and we hope it will help you …
United Methodist Communities announced today that all associates will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 15, 2021. President & CEO Larry Carlson shared, “United Methodist Communities has a high ethical and moral obligation to provide the safest living and working environment possible and believes that the best path forward is a fully …
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, knowing what to do next and how to best take care of their changing needs can easily become overwhelming. Alzheimer’s is a diagnosis that affects the whole family, including the person’s close friends, and although there are many movies depicting the memory loss experience, nothing can …
Making the decision to move your aging parent into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) can be difficult for everyone involved. Unfortunately, due to outdated stereotypes, some older adults are resistant to the idea of senior living communities because they fear losing their independence. Even though the conversations about CCRCs can be tense, honest communication is key to ensuring …
One of the toughest parts of getting older is losing the ability to do things that we once considered easy. When you’re younger and mobile, you don’t even think twice about things like walking, climbing stairs, bending over to pick things up, and other similar ranges of motion. Many factors contribute to a lack of …
On August 7th our nation celebrates Purple Heart Day, honoring all those who have been wounded or killed during enemy combat while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Purple Heart is considered the highest distinction, reserved for those who have made a huge sacrifice for our country. Here at UMC , we want to recognize …
When you hear the phrase “assisted living,” what comes to mind? For families with loved ones who can no longer safely live alone, or for older adults who have certain medical needs, assisted living communities can be a wonderful option. Unfortunately, some people still have very outdated notions of senior living communities. They picture strict …
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