How to Ease a Difficult Transition to Assisted Living in Phoenixville

Paula Spencer Scott of Caring.com recently posted an article that talks about How to Get Your Loved One to What you Want.” It jumped out at me at first because after all, why would I want my loved one to do what I want – it’s about what THEY want, isn’t it?  But as I read on, I discovered that the article is not about “bossing around” your parent, it’s about helping them decide the best answer to an issue when they may have their defenses up or be resistent to making significant change.  This becomes particularly evident when remaining home is no longer a safe environment for a parent.  They are resistent to assisted living in Phoenixville and nothing you can say or do will help them understand where you’re coming from… or is there?

In How to Get Your Loved One to Do What you Want Paula Spencer Scott provides 5 ideas that can help your parent see your side of things a little more clearly.  They are listed below and for more information, visit the link above:

  1. Employ a secret weapon in gaining consensus: empathy. Sometimes people need to express their fear and anciety before they can “hear the facts.  Being empathetic diffuses negativity.  It underscores that your loved one’s feelings come first.
  2. Ask questions rather than issue commands. Instead of telling your loved one what to do, ask his or her opinion.  This may go against the grain if there’s really not any question in your mind about what needs doing (taking a bath, for example!).  But investing a few moments to be considerate, not condescending, will earn cooperation.
  3. Appeal to a third party — even if it’s only in theory. Your loved one might not care to do something in order to please you — but often there’s another motivating person out there you can invoke to help build your case… a doctor, a religious figure, a sibling, or an old boss.  This approach can be particularly powerful if your loved one has mild cognitive impairment.
  4. Break the task into manageable parts. You’ll get more cooperation if you’re seeking something down to earth rather than asking for the moon.
  5. Save commands for emergencies only. People will tune out commands if they hear them too often, but sometimes the onlyl way to get someone to do something is by taking a firm and insistent stance.  This only works sparingly, so should be used when it’s imperitive they listen – taking medication, not driving, etc.

While these ideas can be used in everyday life, it’s important to consider them when going through the process of finding assisted living in Phoenixville.  The transition from their long-time home to a community environment can be scary, stressful and everything in between.  Ask questions about their daily life to help them put into words how difficult their daily life can be alone.  Be empathetic of their desire to stay home throughout the process but don’t be afraid to bring other people into the equation whose opinions your parent trusts.  Break the move into manageable parts and considering having your loved one move in to a respite apartment for 30-60 days while you sort through the home and decide what to bring.  Save the command “You MUST do this” for an emergency like a fall or hospital stay.

I would be lying to you if I said it was an easy process to go through – it’s not… But if you keep a calm head and surround your family with people who are in agreement and supportive of the move, things will move forward a little more smoothly.  And don’t forget that we’re to help, too.  If you’d like to discuss what’s going on with your family, please call me at (610) 933-7675.  I’m happy to provide some guidance, support and information on how Spring Mill can take some of the burden off your shoulders.

Join us for lunch and a tour

 

Posted in Adult Child Issues, Senior Living Options | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Give a Belated Mother’s Day Gift to an Aging Parent in Kimberton

As we celebrated our mothers this Sunday, consider giving both you and your mom the belated gift of love and support that can be used for longer than just one day!  Are you the primary caregiver for your mom?  Feeling a little overwhelmed and don’t have enough time in the day? At Spring Mill Senior Living we offer a 30 day respite program which can be helpful to a caregiver and their loved one!  A respite stay is defined as “a usually short interval of rest or relief.” At Spring Mill Senior Living, we realize that an individual, for a variety of reasons, may need a place to stay for a short interval. Those who would benefit from these services are individuals being discharged from a hospital after a surgery or illness who may need additional time to recover and recuperate, patients released from rehabilitation facilities who want additional therapeutic services, or rest, before going home, caregivers looking for a place for their loved ones during an interruption in care due to vacation plans or other events that require them to be away, {or simply need some me time} potential residents who want to explore a trial period to acclimate themselves to a senior living environment without the commitment of an immediate decision. Spring Mill offer flexible, quality care with a full range of services for its temporarty residents to help minimize anxieties during a transitional time.

Our respite care program includes these services to make your stay as comfortable and worry free as possible:

  • Fully furnished, comfortable apartments
  • Round the clock staffing by professional nurses and other experienced personnel
  • Three nutritious meals a day
  • Transportation services
  • Housekeeping services
  • Activity Program
  • Cable television and telephone services
  • Outdoor gardens, walking paths, patios
  • Rehabilitation services, if needed

Spring Mill Senior Living recognizes each resident as an individual with unique needs. We’re committed to getting to know them, understanding their needs, and helping them live as independently as possible with the utmost attention to every detail of their care and comfort.

At Spring Mill we know all caregiving situations are different.  But the one factor many family caregivers all share is the difficulty saying no, and asking for help. They feel guilty doing this, and feel as if they have failed their loved one. The next time you’re at the tipping point, nearly-overwhelmed remember to take care of yourself!  Consider a respite stay for your loved one at Spring Mill Senior Living.  The truth is, knowing your limits make you a better caregiver.  Recognizing these limits is an act of love.

Happy Belated Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s and Grandmom’s!

Enjoy a day out with your mom, call to schedule lunch and a tour!  Call 610-933-7675.

Join us for lunch and a tour

Posted in Adult Child Issues, Senior Living Options, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Technology May Help a Senior Living in Chester County Drive Longer

Google recently unveiled a driverless car that could help a senior living in
Maryland drive longer, and safer. It is currently in development and could
transform transportation for the elderly and disabled as we know it. Check out
this video posted by AARP to learn more!

If you’re interested in a topic like this, chances are you’re an independent,
older adult. For someone that may interested in transitioning to an maintenance
lifestyle with countless opportunities to try new things and meet new people,
consider moving a community like Spring Mill Senior Living. To learn more, contact us now!

Join us for lunch and a tour

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Making New Friends during Retirement in Phoenixville

Seniorslist.com is a great resource for anyone interested in information for the senior population.  One section of the website I find particularly interesting is the “Relationships” section.  This is an area of the online community where you can find advice on communicating with family, friends and more.  One of the biggest challenges for those enjoying retirement in Phoenixville can be making new friends… I recently viewed an article on making that may be worth the read for my friends who may be considering making a move into senior living in Phoenixville.

Making New Friends in Retirement

After retiring, you may find yourself needing to make new friends. Perhaps your other friends are still employed or maybe you simply want to find new friends with whom you can share this wonderful new experience. Whatever the reason may be, making new friends after retirement can be a blat and doesn’t have to be a scary or frustrating process. In this brief but informative article, we will discuss five proven tips that you can use today to make new friends. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to learn.

1) DESIRE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE – First and foremost, you must have the desire to meet new friends. If you are happy with the friends that you already have and they seem to meet all of your companionship nees, you may not be motivated to meet new people. Instead, you may feel comfortable and not ready to venture out into meeting new people.  If however you truly believe in your heart and soul that this is a great time to meet new people and you’re open and receptive to meeting them then you’ll be very successful in your friend quest. For those of you that aren’t sure, just remember that making new friends takes absolutely nothing away from your current friendships and may in some ways enhance them.

2) VISIT NEW PLACES – Second, once you’ve decided that now is a great time to make new friends, you should take some time to visit places in which you  may meet new people. Some places that you may consider are participating in your communities activities, part district sponsored events, health clubs, churches, extracurricular classes such as computer, art, and photography classes, etc. The key here is to find peope that share common interest with you and then discuss your commonalities with them. Remain friendly and optimistic and feel confident and in no time at all, you’ll garner up a new friendship with someone great.

3) USE NONTRADITIONAL MEETING PLACES – Third, try meeting friends in nontradtional settings by utilizing the internet or snail mail. Pen pals and internet buddies can be very exciting and satisfying friends. However, you must be very careful not to divulge personal information and take your time actually meeting them face to face. This is because there are many unscrupulous people that wish to do damage to innocent people.

4) NURTURE YOUR NEW FRIENDSHIPS – Fourth, you must remember to nurture your new friendships. That is, in order to have a friend, you must be a friend. Be actively seeking new friendships when you find them and consistently deomonstrating kindness, thoughtfulness, loyalty and honesty at all times. You’ll not only make someone feel good, but you’ll inspire your new friend to do the same.

5) ENJOY THE MEETING PROCESS – Fifth, enjoy the meeting process. Although change can be difficult, it can be fun. Meeting new friends is one of life’s greatest rewards and as you embark on this new adventure, enjoy yourself and relish in the friend making process.

In closing, making new friends doesn’t have to be difficult.  In fact, it can be a fun and rewarding experience if you are motivated, frequently visit interesting places, try non traditional methods of meeting people, committ yourself to being a true friend and enjoy the friend meeting process. In no time at all, you’ll have a new friend, one that will continue to grow and mature over time.

If you’re looking to start a new adventure in your life, think about coming to Spring Mill Senior Living! We offer monthly rentals with a full calendar of activities that allows you to be as active as you’d like – definitely opening up the possiblities of making a great new friend or two!

Call us to schedule a tour and see why so many call Spring Mill Senior Living home!

Join us for lunch and a tour

Posted in Healthy Living, Senior Living Options | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cleaning Solutions for Senior Apartments in Chester County

Medicine Cabinet Makeover!

(ARA) – Medicine cabinets are one of the most overlooked areas in the bathroom. People often stock them and forget to ever update products, especially as time goes on. As you age, it’s important to reassess the types of products to keep on hand for daily comfort, minor health issues or in the event of an emergency. If
you are one of many living in senior apartments in Maryland, take an opportunity to read on…

Pain specialist Paul J. Christo, M.D., M.B.A. and host of Aches & Gain radio show, offers some easy tips to help overhaul your medicine cabinet as you get older and ensure necessary products are properly stored, easily accessible and on hand at home.

1. Update first aid kit essentials: Do you have the staples for pain, fevers,
stomach aches, allergies, cuts and burns? A first aid kit should always contain
items to handle these minor emergencies. And don’t forget other important items
such as hearing aid batteries, blood pressure monitoring equipment and extra
eyeglasses.

2. Mitigate minor aches and pains: Muscle and joint pain becomes a bigger
problem as you age. Nearly one in five adults, or 46 million Americans, suffer
from arthritis, which is characterized by sudden onsets of pain or swelling in
the joints. Consider an alternative to pills that can take time before relief
sets in. Break the grip and try an over-the-counter topical solution to relieve
pain. Topical medicines for arthritis can also be a good choice if you have had
stomach ulcers, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, or kidney problems. A
product like Aspercreme(R) is clinically proven to provide temporary relief of
minor muscle and joint pain with its targeted, maximum strength formula.

3. Stock up on seasonal must-haves: Each season poses different health
hurdles. During winter, cold and flu medication should be nearby. Spring brings
gardening, so have an effective, targeted pain solution in the cabinet to keep
you going for hours. Summer brings more sunlight, so protect aging skin by
stashing a strong sunscreen on your shelves. And no matter what the season,
purchase only as much as you will use to avoid throwing out expired products
next year.

4. Toss expired items: When assessing the items in your medicine cabinet,
take note of their expiration date. Properly dispose of outdated
over-the-counter pills and prescribed medications. If you are unsure of what you
should toss, check with a pharmacist. Purge personal care products that have
changed in appearance, smell or texture. Products like toothpaste and deodorant
that are beyond their shelf life may lose potency and effectiveness.

5. Keep a list nearby: Remembering what needs to be replaced, replenished or
refilled is a difficult task. Simplify the situation by keeping a piece of paper
taped to the inside of the medicine cabinet. When you notice that something is
running low, simply jot a reminder on the paper so you’ll see it the next time
you open the cabinet.

6. Create a safe storage system: Make sure the products you use most
frequently are easily accessible and within an arm’s reach. Place items that
treat similar symptoms on the same shelf to help keep a cabinet organized. For
example, store bandages, gauze and medical tape together. Always keep products
in their original packaging to avoid losing important information, and store
medications in a cool, dry place since heat and moisture can alter their
effectiveness.

“As you age, it’s important to take stock of the supplies in your medicine
cabinet since your health can change. Cleaning out your medicine cabinet will
help prevent medication mix-ups, ensure your medications are current, and
provide peace of mind that you have essential items to tackle life’s little
medical emergencies,” said Dr. Christo.

If your home needs a little more than a medicine cabinet makeover, consider
Spring Mill Senior Living. Living options include studio apartments all the way up to large one and two bedroom apartments – some with balconies!  For more
information on Spring Mill Senior Living and it’s easy monthly rental program, contact us!

Join us for lunch and a tour

Posted in Healthy Living | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spring Mill Senior Living Residents “Clipping” for a Cause

This spring, residents of Spring Mill Senior Living are on a mission.  Their mission: clip as many coupons as possible in an effort to give back to the U.S. Military and their families overseas!  Many of those living at Spring Mill are veteran’s themselves or a spouse of a veteran.  They remember the hardships that they or their loved one’s experienced while serving overseas. That is why it is so important to help in any way possible.

 

Oftentimes military families overseas struggle to live on one income and money can be scarce.  That is why Spring Mill is working with thekrazycouponlady.com to deliver savings in the form of unused and expired coupons. Each month coupons are sorted and sent overseas so they can be used at grocery and department stores on base.  So if you’re not using the coupons or if they are expired, send them to the people who need it most!  Here’s how you can help: visit the krazycouponlady.com/coupons-for-military for full information.

 

Spring Mill Senior Living offers residents a variety of opportunities to give back to their community.  From food drives over the holidays to coupon clipping for military families, it not only strengthens bonds between residents, but also strengthens residents’ connection to the greater community at large.

Posted in Success Stories | Leave a comment

4 Common Post-Retirement Challenges for a Senior Living in Kimberton

(ARA) – For a senior living in Kimberton, there are plenty of reasons to rejoice about retirement – more time to spend with your family, the ability to travel more and the opportunity to pursue your true passions. And today’s retirees can also appreciate the fact that on average, people continue to outlive previous generations.

Most people enjoy retirement even more than they expect. A recent study by The Hartford and the MIT AgeLab confirmed that 64 percent of people less than 10 years away from retirement said they expected to feel happier in retirement. And when those who were already retired were surveyed, 77 percent said they were happier in retirement than they were when they were working.

But that doesn’t mean retirement comes without its challenges. Through his research on the topic, Dr. Robert Pokorski, chief medical strategist for The Hartford’s individual life insurance business, has identified the four most common nonfinancial challenges that most retirees face:

* Climbing health-care costs. Health problems are more common during retirement, and the associated costs are often much higher than expected.

* Widowhood. It’s not pleasant to imagine life after the death of your spouse but three in four married people are widowed for five years or more.

* Needing long-term care for a chronic illness. Many retirees don’t plan on the need for chronic care but three in five men and four in five women will need care later in life.

* Outliving your retirement savings. More people are living to age 90 and beyond, and that’s a good thing. However, this also means more folks have to stretch their retirement savings over a longer period of time.

Addressing these challenges
Given these many challenges, most people find it difficult to save enough to guarantee financial security during retirement. Fortunately, there are new options that address these common issues.

  1. Medicare supplement insurance can help address the challenges of rising health-care costs. Medicare supplement insurance pays for some health care not covered by Medicare, according to Pokorski
  2. Ways to address the other challenges Pokorski identified are available through new life insurance and annuity products that provide greater financial flexibility to help meet changing financial needs as people age. There are life insurance policies on the market that can provide funds for chronic care needs or be tapped as a source of cash during retirement. Any lifetime benefits taken from these products during life will reduce the remaining death benefit available to the policy’s beneficiaries. Annuities can be a source of guaranteed income that can last as long as the retiree lives.

In addition to the above options, making the move to a senior living community in Kimberton can be great for you socially, too!  Spring Mill Senior Living is a personal care community, much like an assisted living community, that offers service based independent living as well as personal care services as you need them.  Living in a community like this is great because it allows you to maintain your independence but still have help nearby if you need it.  Best of all, as your needs change from being completely independent to needing a little personal assistance you can stay in your same apartment!  No new contract, just a simple addendum.  For more information on how Spring Mill Senior Living in Kimberton can be your new home, click the link below!

Posted in Money and Finances, Senior Living Options | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Music Helps “Awaken” Residents Living with Dementia in Senior Living

Earlier this week while watching CBS This Morning I saw a segment they presented called “Alive Inside.” It was about a documentary film that follows Dan Cohen’s Music and Memory project, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing personalized music into the lives of the elderly and ill, thereby vastly improving their day-t0-day existence.

It moved me! It was amazing. It proved to me how much music can help a somewhat unresponsive resident light up and begin signing. At Spring Mill Senior Living located in Phoenixville, PA, I have witnessed first hand how much music can change a persons day. The Compass Program at Spring Mill is a specialized area of the community designed for  residents with some form of memory impairment, whether it is a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.In the Compass Program there is a specially trained staff, consisting of a Program Director, nursing team, and activity team.  I enjoy visiting residents as much as I can, and one day in-particular sticks out in my mind:

One day while I was visiting the Compass Program, Charlene, an activity assistant, brought in her keyboard.  She began to sing and play music that residents were able to relate to from earlier days.   Every resident was participating and signing their heart out! This example proves how the true power of music awakens minds that some may consider dormant or deteriorating.

We are always thankful for staff members, like Charlene, who are willing to go above and beyond to make a residents day a little easier.  We are fortunate here at Spring Mill Senior Living to have such a wonderful array of talent, in both staff and residents! I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Spring Mill choir group become stars on YouTube!

For more information on Spring Mill Senior Living or to schedule a tour of our Compass neighborhood, call 610-933-7675.

Join us for lunch and a tour

Posted in Success Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

7 Habits to Prevent Hearing Loss for a Senior Living in Kimberton

(ARA) – Hearing loss is common, but the perception that hearing loss is only caused by aging is incorrect. More than 36 million Americans have hearing loss. Changing lifestyle habits, and treating a variety of health conditions can help to prevent hearing loss. For a senior living in Kimberton, now is as good a time as any to change some habits.

Seven healthy habits may help prevent or delay the onset of hearing loss:

1. Noise
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common yet preventable cause of hearing loss. Exposure to dangerous levels of noise can occur at work, home and in many recreational activities. Wear ear plugs or muffs when operating loud equipment (i.e., lawn mowers, power saws, leaf blower, etc.) or when using firearms. Buy quieter products (compare dB ratings advertised on the products – the smaller the better).

2. iPod/MP3 Players
Listening to MP3 players at dangerous levels can cause permanent hearing loss. You can download apps to ensure noise exposure through your iPod does not exceed dangerous decibel levels. “Volume Limit” is a switch in the “settings” section of your iPhone or iPod to make sure that your hearing is protected. This allows you to set a maximum level for the volume output of the media player and even put a 4-digit code on it to keep it fixed.

3. Diabetes
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes. Furthermore, of the 79 million adults with pre-diabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30 percent higher than in those with normal blood sugar levels. Moderate weight loss, eating healthy and exercise can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes among adults at-risk for diabetes.

4. Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for hearing loss. Smokers are nearly 70 percent more likely than nonsmokers to suffer hearing loss. Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke almost doubles the risk of hearing loss among adolescents. Studies show that smoking, age and noise exposure together increase the risk for hearing loss more than each of these factors alone.

5. Cardiovascular disease
Not only does exercise help to prevent type 2 diabetes, but cardiovascular health and hearing health appear associated. Growing evidence suggests a link between hearing loss and poor cardiovascular health.

6. Earwax (Cerumen)
Don’t swab your ear canals. Cerumen cleans and lubricates the skin of the ear canal and provides protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water. Attempting to remove cerumen or cleaning the ear canal with a cotton swab tends to push earwax deeper into the ear canal. Excess or impacted cerumen can press against the eardrum and/or occlude the external auditory canal resulting in hearing loss.

7. See an audiologist
Susceptibility to hearing loss is often undiagnosed and unrecognized. The Audiology Awareness Campaign, a nonprofit foundation aimed at providing the public with information on hearing loss, is sponsoring the fifth annual Listen Up America Week, National Hearing Screening Week, May 14 to 18, where audiologists will offer free hearing screenings nationwide. Call 888-833-EARS (3277) or visit www.audiologyawareness.com to find an audiologist in your area.

Spring Mill Senior Living offers retirement living in Phoenixville, PA. It is also a health focused neighborood.  At Spring Mill, there are fitness program for any level, a dining room that serves three nutritious meals a day, and many other wellness programs.   At Spring Mill, a healthy  lifestyle is right at your doorstep!

Join us for lunch and a tour

Posted in Healthy Living | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Blog to “Remember”: Good Health News for a Senior Living in PA

An adult living in MD should read this storyI just read an article in Vitals on MSNBC.com that I believe is an important read for any adult living across the country that is caring for an aging loved one. 

As our loved one ages we are able to accept their general physical decline as part of the aging process. They may start to use a walker, not go on long walks like they used to, or sleep a little more than before.  Those have easy answers… we encourage our loved ones to exercise, eat right, and be safe around the home.

But what about when they can’t seem find the right words in a conversation with their grandchild?  When someone asks them a question and they can’t come up with the words right away?  Your mind may instantly move to one word.  Alzheimer’s.  That’s a problem no one has an easy answer to.

But recent research shows that just because an older adult takes more time to come up with answer or reply doesn’t mean they have a memory impairment.  In fact, seniors in general may be just as mentally agile than young adults.

Researchers surveyed adults over 60 to see what their response time would be when asked a series of questions related to numbers in a series.  The results showed that while their answers were accurate, they reacted as slowly as a young child and both groups react much more slowly than young adults.  It has been shown that slow response times in young children are a sign that their brain is still maturing… But what does it mean for an older adult?

In order to find out what was happening, these same researchers asked the same adults to respond to their questions without worrying so much about the accuracy of the answer.  When given the go-ahead to not focus on getting it right, their response times were much faster – and just as accurate as before.  This gave them a similar reaction time/accuracy rate of a young adult.

While it is hard to pin-point exactly why the initial response times were slow, the indication seems to be that age related deficits related to memory make seniors more mindful during conversation.  It makes them want to deliberate longer and not make mistakes.

So when you’re having lunch with your Mom and Dad and the conversation is running a little slow, cut them a break and let them think things over!

Did you know that living in a personal care community has been proven to increase your memory?  Well, maybe not entirely, BUT there a lot of things at an active lifestyle community does for you to help you stay young… Like no more yard work, no outside maintenance, lots of neighbors your own age that enjoy the same things, a clubhouse with fitness center and pool, and tons of recreation just minutes from your home.  It’s the perfect time to relax, unwind and stay young while you can. Take a look at Spring Mill.  You’ll be happy you did.

Join us for lunch and a tour

Posted in Adult Child Issues, Healthy Living | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment