The oldest resident at United Methodist Communities at Pitman, Zelda Long Fischer, celebrated her 107th birthday with family members this month. She is also the oldest resident among United Methodist Communities’ nine campuses. Consider a few of the major events of her birth year, 1910: Earth passed through the tail of Halley’s Comet George V became King of the …
Consistent with a rapidly aging population, research about what happens and what we can do about it continues to increase each year. In contrast to negative perceptions, recent findings have unearthed some very interesting facts about aging that may change the way we think about this process: We get happier as we age. Several recent …
Assisted living falls among the conversations dreaded by parents and their children alike. Starting the conversation about these types of long-term plans, even when they come from good intentions, can be stressful and overwhelming for everyone involved. Here are some tips from our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ , for making it a positive and constructive conversation: Don’t wait until …
Being a caregiver to a family member or friend is a choice that many people make because it helps avoid costly care and allows you to spend precious time with a loved one. However, many caregivers find this challenging role can become overwhelming in later stages of care and when illnesses become terminal. At this …
June is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month. Our assisted living community in Camden County is promoting awareness of this serious condition and helping people find compassionate long-term care for veterans. What is PTSD? PTSD is a mental health condition in which people who have been through a traumatic event experience symptoms of reliving the event, avoid situations that recall …
Osteoporosis is a serious disease that causes bones to become brittle and weak, making people vulnerable to serious bone breaks and damage from minor falls, bumps and everyday impact that do not affect healthy skeletons. Unfortunately, no cure exists for this condition, which affects around 54 million Americans and up to one in every two …
Alzheimer’s and other dementia conditions progressively diminish mental capacity as they worsen, including a patient’s ability to communicate with and understand the people around them. Here are some insights from our assisted living community in Gloucester County , NJ on developing an effective way to communicate with your loved one. Common communication problems for dementia patients: Struggling to find the right …
Hospice care, appropriate in the event of advanced, life-limiting illness, requires patients and loved ones to make profound changes in their expectations for care and treatment. Our associates from our hospice in South Jersey share some insights on how to prepare yourself or a loved one for this stage of care, and how to make this difficult transition easier. …
My career path began on a humid summer day — while running on a soccer field in Shavertown, PA. I don’t remember, but my mom told me, “As you collapsed, your wheezing could be heard from the sidelines.” Luckily, a nurse and parent spectator, recognized the symptoms of an asthma attack and jumped into action. …
National Senior Health and Fitness Day encourages seniors across 50 states to get out, get moving, and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. This is a great annual day filled with events all across local towns and senior living communities – here’s what it’s all about and how to join in, from our assisted living team …
With roots to historic events over 400 years ago, the late Alice Carnrite Teal aptly came into the world on Flag Day. In 1620, the Mayflower, with 102 passengers and a crew of about 35 enduring extremely cramped conditions, departed England. Among these passengers, John Howland, came as a manservant to John Carver, who …
Recently, the State of New Jersey has started implementing and expanding its Medical Marijuana Program (MMP). Here’s some information about what this means for seniors in the state and how this affects them, from our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey . What conditions are treatable with medical marijuana? Because these are changing all the time as new health conditions are …
May is Better Sleep Month, so our assisted living community in Camden County, NJ , is exploring some tips and insights to help seniors fight insomnia and get a good night’s sleep. Why is sleep important? Getting enough sleep is essential to maintaining our physical and mental health, which is important for every stage of our lives. However, our sleeping patterns change …
While aggressive treatment is recommended in most stages of fighting cancer, treatment is usually stopped during the end-stage of the disease. Rather than focusing on eliminating and reducing the cancer, medical treatment changes to providing comfort and the best possible quality of life. Here are some insights into care at this stage, from our compassionate care hospice in South Jersey : …
Getting older doesn’t mean what it used to. For many aging Americans, it is a phase of life in which interests, goals, and dreams can get a new or second start. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and living the best way possible. Take Barbara Hillary, for example. A nurse for 55 years who dreamed …
As we age, we can experience certain health and wellness changes that affect our senses, including our ability to see clearly. Cataracts is a common vision problem often associated with getting older. Here’s some insight from specialists in assisted living in Gloucester County, NJ . What are cataracts? Cataracts is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy …
Horticulture has been used as therapy for centuries. In 1798, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, wrote that gardening improved the conditions of mentally ill patients. Gardening as a means of physical and occupational rehabilitation was employed in U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals for returning World War II veterans. The idea of …
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, so we’re talking about the issues surrounding seniors and alcohol abuse. As a leading CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey , we’re dedicated to a high quality of resident life that includes bringing awareness about this concerning issue. Alcoholism in seniors is easily overlooked According to the National Institute on Aging, although alcoholism is an issue …
