January is nationally known as Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain. Sometimes, fluid builds up in the front part of the eye and increases pressure in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. If the damage continues to build up, it …
Community Corner
There are many topics we find extremely difficult to discuss, and hospice care is definitely one of them. We don’t often sit around with family and friends discussing what should happen if we ever require hospice care, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a plan in place. Unfortunately, terminal illnesses can strike anyone at …
Did you know that nearly 20 million people in the United States are living with chronic pain? Those who suffer from it know that pain levels vary from mild to severe. When you’re experiencing a flare up, it can make simple everyday tasks difficult. Chronic pain can be especially hard for seniors who may already be experiencing limited mobility, or who live …
Many older adults who live on their own take one or several medications daily. With numerous pill bottles, capsules and tablets that can appear nearly identical, medication management is an everyday essential for seniors. Taking the wrong combination or dosage of certain medications can have harmful side effects. In order to avoid a potentially dangerous …
Falls can be extremely dangerous for older adults, especially if they live alone, have existing injuries or limited mobility. While falls can happen anywhere, there are precautions you can take with your loved ones to ensure their homes and other surrounding areas are as safe as possible. It’s important to understand that some older adults …
Those of us who have experienced severe weather know how stressful and disorienting it can be, especially for seniors who live alone and may have limited mobility or cognitive conditions. In order to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and well-prepared in the event of severe weather, we recommend taking the following precautions for …
United Methodist Communities (UMC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Linda Hill as vice president of philanthropy, effective November 30, 2020. Ms. Hill has over 15 years of philanthropy leadership experience, predominantly in the healthcare sector. She joins UMC after five years as executive director of the Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation, which is …
United Methodist Communities (UMC), a New Jersey based senior living and care organization, is pleased to announce the hiring of David S. Rayha as vice president of operations. Effective November 16, 2020, he will have strategic oversight and management of UMC’s four full-service communities. Mr. Rayha brings over 34 years’ experience in management and senior …
United Methodist Communities (UMC), a New Jersey based senior living and care organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cindy Jacques, vice president of housing and community initiatives, to a three-year term on the board of LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware. LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware is the statewide association of not-for-profit senior care …
With Christmas a little more than a month away, you’re undoubtedly busy handling a long to-do list and trying to find the perfect gifts for the seniors in your life. But where do you start? Fitness and GPS trackers make wonderful gifts for older adults, especially those with dementia. Sometimes, seniors who have certain cognitive …
November is National Family Caregivers Month , and for those who are caregivers or know someone who is, you know how hard they work to ensure their loved ones are safe, healthy, and happy. Family caregivers constantly make sacrifices and put everyone else before themselves, so some time-off or a special gift will go a long way in the …
As we get ready to commemorate Veterans Day on November 11, now is a good time to understand the relationship between The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and assisted living. Many U.S. military veterans and their spouses are unclear about whether the VA offers additional financial assistance for senior care , like assisted living and you …
By Bill Siwicki Real-time vital sign monitoring in the hands of associates has improved staff effectiveness and efficiency at United Methodist Communities. United Methodist Communities, headquartered in Neptune, New Jersey, is a faith-based, not-for-profit senior living and healthcare provider. With more than 110 years of continuous operation, the organization has grown to 13 locations offering independent, residential …
Autumn has arrived and we’re enjoying the cooler temperatures, the changing leaves, and the festive feeling in the air. While many of us look forward to the colder months, along with winter comes cold and flu season, slippery sidewalks, and freezing temperatures. For seniors especially, the winter season can be bothersome if they are unprepared. …
United Methodist Communities (UMC) announces the promotion of two key leaders, Deborah Walsh and Pamela Garofolo, effectively immediately. Deborah Walsh has been promoted to corporate director of homecare services and oversees HomeWorks, as well as initiatives related to homecare products such as technologies, care management and other in-home support services. Ms. Walsh, who resides in …
September is World Alzheimer’s Month , a campaign created to raise awareness and challenge the many stigmas that surround this disease. If someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s then you know how frustrating, difficult, and confusing the disease can be. And navigating the situation while continuing to support your loved one can be tough. Medical researchers …
Did you know that September 13 is National Grandparents’ Day ? The relationship you have with your grandparents is very special and you certainly want to make this day special for them. As we deal with COVID-19 and follow health and safety protocols, you might need to get a bit more creative with your gift ideas. Current CDC guidance states that …
As we approach Falls Prevention Awareness Day , now is the perfect time to review and update your senior safety and wellbeing checklist. And if you don’t have one, now is the perfect time to create it. Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, having a checklist in place is a great way to assess one’s ability to …
When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness it’s always difficult for the entire family, and it can be especially difficult for children who may not fully understand the gravity of the situation. While some people may be hesitant to explain a terminal diagnosis to a child, it’s important to recognize that children …