As our parents grow older, it becomes our responsibility to ensure they receive the care and companionship they truly deserve. The challenges associated with aging can be overwhelming, but there are numerous ways we can enhance the quality of life for our loved ones. One solution is embracing life at a senior community where older adults can feel supported at all times by onsite caregivers, explore their interests and to put it simply – thrive. In this article, we will discuss different ways you can support your aging parents and delve into the benefits of community living.
Supporting aging parents requires a multifaceted approach that addresses their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Looking into community living options, such as Lester Senior Living, can significantly enhance the quality of life for aging parents. At our community, residents can enjoy a range of amenities and services, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, delicious meals in our spacious dining room, planned social activities, live entertainment and more. Providing your loved one with a supportive and engaging environment is perhaps the best chance they have to enjoy their golden years to the fullest. If you’d like more information about community life at Lester Senior Living in NJ, please contact JCHC today and visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on - https://jchcorp.org/ways-to-support-your-aging-parents/
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Getting dressed in the morning helps us all feel more mentally prepared to take on the day. This reigns even more true for seniors. Remember mom and dad come from a time when men primarily wore suits and women chose between a dress or skirt. Dressing up for the day helps seniors feel more confident, and when older adults feel more confident – they become more social with the people around them. However, it can be difficult for some seniors to get dressed in the morning due to mobility limitations or memory loss. If you’re a caregiver who is new to getting your loved one dressed, here are some tips to make the process easier for everyone involved.
Encourage independence whenever possible. One of the fundamental aspects of caregiving is promoting independence. It’s important to encourage seniors to do as much as they can for themselves, respecting their abilities and preferences. Provide choices when it comes to clothing options, allowing them to maintain their personal style. This way, seniors can retain a sense of control and dignity while receiving necessary support. With staff members available 24/7, residents at Lester Senior Living in NJ can receive assistance with bathing or grooming, while still having the freedom to make their own choices during their morning routine.
Assisting seniors with their morning routines requires a delicate balance between promoting independence and providing support. We’ve mastered that balance here at Lester Senior Living by offering round-the-clock staff members who are trained to understand and support the unique needs of each resident, as well as a beauty salon on site to help our residents get dolled up for the day. Together, we can ensure that seniors start their days on a positive note, while enhancing their quality of life. To learn more about our senior care services and amenities in Morris County, please give us a call and visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on - https://jchcorp.org/caregiver-tips-for-getting-seniors-dressed/ It’s finally spring here at Lester Senior Living! Which means we are looking forward to getting outdoors more for live entertainment, daily walks, delicious picnics and of course – Passover. Especially the foods that go along with Passover like tzimmes. Traditionally, this root veggie dish is served on Passover and Rosh Hashanah, but who says you can’t enjoy it all year round?
Whether you’re making them for Passover or just to enjoy, check out our signature tzimmes recipe from our chefs at our senior lifestyle community in Morris County. Ingredients for Tzimmes:
For more information about our healthy meals for seniors in Whippany NJ, please come visit us for lunch or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on - https://jchcorp.org/classic-and-sweet-tzimmes-recipe-for-passover/ February is Heart Awareness Month and you’ve probably heard all about how diet and exercise can keep your heart healthy by now. But, did you know that sleep directly correlates to heart health? REM and non-REM sleep is actually crucial for your heart rate. In this article, we will go over how this affects your heart health and different ways seniors can achieve better sleep.
Heart Rate During The Stages of Sleep Each cycle or phase of sleep affects the speed of your heart rate and contributes to the health of your heart. When we first drift off to sleep, our heart rate starts to slow down to its resting rate – meaning our hearts don’t have to work so hard to pump blood throughout our bodies. This stage of light sleep (or Non-REM sleep) is how most of us spend half of the night. When we enter the next phase of sleep, deep sleep, our blood pressure drops and our heart rate slows even more – up to 30% below the resting rate. Then there is an even deeper sleep REM (rapid eye movement) that happens when we dream. During REM sleep, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This is thought to be a protective mechanism to help the body respond to potential danger or stressful situations – like being chased in a bad dream. So, what does this all really mean? In short, entering each stage of sleep successfully every night allows the heart to properly rest and recharge. This is so important because poor sleeping patterns have been linked to a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease and strokes. If you or a loved one is having trouble sleeping well, our caregivers in Morris County have put together a list of different ways older adults can improve their sleeping habits. Ways Seniors Can Sleep Better
At Lester Senior Living, our seniors sleep more soundly knowing that one of our staff members is always onsite, and ready to help if the need arises. We can also help residents improve their sleeping habits by changing their bedroom environment and discussing what actions they could take to achieve better sleep. For more information about how we can help seniors sleep better, or if you have any questions about our assisted living in Morris County, please contact us today by visiting our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on - https://jchcorp.org/how-rem-sleep-affects-your-heart/ Valentine’s day can be difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one, but that doesnt mean the day has to be filled with sorrow. Spending Valentine’s Day with a senior who has lost a loved one is often a more special and meaningful experience. It’s a chance to remember that this holiday is more than a Hallmark card and chocolates, it’s about showing and spreading love. If you’re not sure where to start, we have a few ways to make Valentine’s Day more memorable with your senior loved one.
We understand that some health, memory and mobility concerns may prevent some seniors from leaving their assisted living community to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So, we encourage you to celebrate with your loved one at Lester Senior Living instead! Last year we celebrated by making beautiful flower arrangements and learning about the history of Hershey’s chocolate while snacking on some Hershey kisses. We also encourage you to join your loved one in our spacious dining room for breakfast, lunch or dinner – not just on Valentine’s Day but all year round. For more information on how our senior living community will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org/ The original blog is posted on https://jchcorp.org/your-senior-and-valentines-day/ When first looking into senior living options, you may come across the term “supported independent living,” or “Independent Living with Assistance.” But what does that mean exactly and how does it differ from assisted living? Independent living with support is the best of both worlds for seniors who would like to continue to direct their lives, have increased socialization options, live in a secure community, with options for light assistance if needed. It is the middle ground between assisted living and just moving into an over 55 community. This type of senior living option also varies depending on the community that offers it. We think the independent living setup at Lester Senior Living in Morris County is truly unique and appealing to a wide variety of independent-minded seniors.
Benefits of Independent Living with Support at Lester Senior Living Perhaps one of the first and most important aspects of Lester Independent Senior Living is that it is truly separate living from those receiving assisted living in the community. The Margaret and Martin Heller Independent Living building is across the lobby from the Josh and Judy Weston Assisted Living Building. While these communities can come together for meals, classes, Bingo, Movies, and other recreation, the independent lifestyle of folks is respected and they are living with others who also require less assistance. But if their needs change, it is easy to scale the services you receive, we already have the staff right there. Activities and exercise programs. When you choose to live independently at Lester, you are not choosing total isolation by any means. We are a very active community through and through. If there isn’t a special event going on, you’ll still see residents and staff all over the campus – sitting on park benches in front of the building, reading in the library, having lunch in the dining room and catching up in the main lobby. We also have a monthly activities calendar that we are constantly adding to in order to satisfy the many interests of our residents. Some examples are the Lester book club, chair dancing, tabletop word games, bingo and even sing-alongs. The best part? Nobody gets left behind! These activities are available to both assisted living and independent living residents in the building. Help is available when needed. In the Lester Senior Living community, we have two wings that are on either side of the main lobby. One is the Weston assisted living apartments and the other is the Heller independent living apartments. Because assisted living and independent living residents are housed in the same building, help can be more readily available for those who live independently since assistance is essentially right next door. We have one of the best staff-to-resident ratios in the industry, plus almost every staff member on site has been with the community for over 10 years! Meaning, you won’t find a team who cares and is more than willing to help than the one here. Safety and security. As we’ve already touched on, independent living is more than just moving into a new apartment building. Everyone takes the time to get to know one another. Our staff members are very passionate about senior care, and develop relationships with each resident. Which means you won’t be left to your own devices for too long – there is always someone checking in! On top of this, there are security personnel on site 24/7, as well as safety measures in place to ensure each resident can live more comfortably. From easy-to-navigate apartments, with smoke detectors and medical alert systems to on-site home health services, seniors can relax knowing that support and security is right there when they need it. Scalable Senior Living Options in Morris County At Lester Senior Living, our aim is to ensure each of our residents maintain their quality of life and independence. Our activity and exercise programs encourage residents to get involved with the community at a level they are comfortable with. The services we offer can also be scaled to the resident. We understand that someone in independent living may not prefer the same care level as someone in assisted living with mobility issues. As we mentioned before, we really take the time to get to know each resident to ensure they get the proper support required to live a full and happy life here. For more information about supported independent living in Morris County, please contact our community today or visit our website to discover our other senior communities in NJ: https://jchcorp.org/ The original blog is posted on: https://jchcorp.org/what-does-supported-independent-living-mean-for-seniors/ This centuries-old cookie is a staple in our culture. Even though Mandelbrot has been around for so long, there are many different variations to enjoy. Variations that include dried fruit, nuts, and even sprinkles! But for today, we’re going to share the signature recipe from our chefs at Lester Senior Living. Did we mention it includes chocolate chips? Yum.
Mandelbrot Ingredients:
The senior living residents at Lester have the option to eat in our spacious dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner every single day if they’d like! Also opening soon is our newly remodeled cafe where they can grab lunch in style with their friends. Whether they are Jewish or not, they enjoy many staples from our culture like matzo ball soup, challah bread, honey apple cake, brisket and of course, Mandelbrot. The chefs at Lester understand that some residents may have dietary allergies or preferences and will gladly modify any recipe to suit their needs. For more information about our senior meal plans in Morris County, NJ, please give us a call today. You could also visit our website to learn more about what independent living looks like at Lester Senior Living: https://jchcorp.org/ The original blog is posted on: https://jchcorp.org/jchc-mandelbrot-recipe-a-cookie-tradition/ With the winter holidays coming and caregivers planning some time off, concern for senior loved ones is also on the horizon for many people. Who will watch out for mom and dad’s daily needs while I’m away? And, will their interests be attended to in ways that will keep them happy and safe? These concerns are even more magnified when your loved one suffers from a memory loss condition.
For older adults with dementia, Lester Senior Living provides short-term respite stays in our Memory Care Suite. These stays allow seniors with memory disorders to enjoy the safety, security and warmth of a true home-away-from-home, with personalized attention from specially trained caregivers who support each resident’s needs. This is an extension of our assisted living respite program. All respite stays are available for anywhere from ten days to two months, ideal for when family members or regular caregivers are away for short periods of time or need a break. Respite care for seniors with memory loss Respite stays in our intimate Memory Care Suite let seniors with memory issues try out what’s available to our full-time residents. With respite, you’ll find that your loved one receives compassionate care that puts their well-being first, with emphasis on wellness of the body, mind and soul. Our holistic approach includes many different ways to stimulate or soothe, to encourage socialization while also respecting a person’s need for quiet time. Whatever each resident needs at that moment, is what our caregivers are able to provide. Short-term respite care in the Memory Care Suite includes:
On top of the usual amenities available, our respite team also ensures our short-term residents are able to enjoy the holiday season. We do this by offering special activities, events and meals that are signature to the holidays. Some examples include lighting the menorah, having a hanukkah dinner, torah study classes, crafting dreidels and a New Year’s brunch – just to name a few. All of our residents (short and long term) are invited to the special celebrations and are welcome to share their own traditions with us, as we want to ensure everyone feels like they are truly “home for the holidays.” For more information about short-term respite care during the holidays at Lester Senior Living, please give us a call today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on: https://jchcorp.org/what-you-need-to-know-about-holiday-respite-care-for-seniors-with-dementia/ Alzheimer’s disease is a diagnosis that not only your loved one, but the whole family as well. Life is going to change, and mom or dad will require more help and supervision on a day to day basis. The degree of this help will vary depending on what stage your loved one is at in the disease. In most cases, Alzheimer’s symptoms manifest slowly through three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. However, everyone who has this memory disorder experiences symptoms differently. If you are a caregiver to someone with Alzheimer’s, our professional memory care team at Lester Senior Living has compiled different ways to navigate each stage of this disease, so you can better help your loved one.
Caring for a loved one with mild Alzheimer’s disease People with mild Alzheimer’s often live independent lives, caring for themselves, driving, paying bills and meeting up with friends. However, they may experience memory lapses, lose things, forget what they just heard, or be unable to recall the right word for a common object. They may have trouble performing tasks or find it increasingly difficult to plan or organize. You may begin to notice these changes as well. A person diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s is often likely to understand what that means and may react with fear, denial, anxiety, depression, and anger. The people close to them often experience these emotions too. While your loved one is in this early stage, it’s a good time to discuss future options for legal, financial, and long-term care arrangements. It’s also smart for you both to take advantage of the many support services and resources that are available to you. Learn as much as you can about Alzheimer’s together. One of the best resources out there for seniors and their caregivers is the official Alzheimer’s Association website. Aside from familiarizing yourselves more with Alzheimer’s and discussing legal matters, here are some other ways you can help care for them:
In middle-stage Alzheimer’s, there will be good days and bad days, but caregiver responsibilities will increase. The individual may find it more and more difficult to perform routine tasks like dressing, expressing themselves verbally, or following a conversation. Routines become more important at this stage and will have to be adapted according to how dementia advances. People with moderate Alzheimer’s may exhibit changes in behavior or personality. Angry outbursts, confusion, irritability, sleep disturbance, or wandering are all distressing signs of moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The person may not always recognize you, and you too may wonder who this stranger is. Remember that the disease, not the individual, is causing these changes. Caring for your loved one is going to be much more involved by this point and will include your help with the following:
Caring for a loved one with severe Alzheimer’s disease Seniors with severe Alzheimer’s need round-the-clock personal care. They usually have trouble eating and eventually become bedridden or chair-bound. They may experience incontinence and be prone to infection. Your focus is now on preserving their dignity and quality of life. You may also have to make difficult personal and medical decisions on their behalf. Never be afraid to tap into your network for emotional and professional support. Even if your loved one can’t communicate, you can still let them know you care. Here are different ways to connect with your loved one in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease:
Be mindful of your own stress level throughout the journey of caring for your loved one with Alzheimer’s. It’s important to keep yourself healthy and don’t be afraid to ask for help if it becomes too overwhelming to handle by yourself. When memory loss starts affecting everyone’s daily life, it may be time to consider the holistic approach to memory care at the specialized Memory Care Suite in Lester Senior Living. Our memory care residents receive intensive and individualized support from our specially trained caregivers who are onsite at all times. Our program also ensures your loved one’s quality of life is enhanced through cognitive activities, socialization with other residents and meaningful connections with each of our caregivers. For more information about professional and compassionate memory care in New Jersey, please give us a call today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted on: https://jchcorp.org/how-to-navigate-the-stages-of-alzheimers-disease/ Many seniors may argue that moving into a senior living community relinquishes independence, but we’re here to tell you why the opposite is true. Living in a senior community marks the beginning of independence by letting go of household chores and other mundane daily tasks and making more room for the things you actually enjoy! If you’re debating whether or not community living is a good choice for you, here are some signs that you’re ready for this new chapter in your life.
Sign #1. You’re ready to throw in the dish towel. We’re sure at this point in your life, you are no longer cooking for an army of children. It may be just you, or you and your spouse you have to worry about. After years and years of preparing meals, we think you’ve paid your dues! When someone else cooks for you it eliminates the pent-up stress of going to the store, finding the right ingredients, and following an intricate recipe. Not to mention, you’re also eliminating the nightly debate of who is going to wash the dishes. At a senior living community like JCHC’s Lester, staff can cook each meal for you and clean up afterwards on a daily basis. We also offer community dining in an elegant and spacious dining room where other residents and your family and friends can easily accompany you for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Our culinary-trained chefs love to mix it up in the kitchen and are fully prepared to modify any meals to adhere to any dietary restrictions or kosher needs. Sign #2. Owning a home has become too stressful. With your children now living in their own homes with their respective families, you’ve probably come to realize that your home is way too big now. Your kids also aren’t around as often to take on household chores, which means you have a lot less help to maintain your big house. Owning a home requires a lot of recurring maintenance which becomes even tougher if it’s all on you to take care of. Things like dusting counters and shelves, doing dishes, cleaning the bathrooms all need to be done on a close to daily basis. On top of that, there are always unexpected issues that pop up from time to time like shoveling snow off the driveway, unclogging a toilet, and repairing a faulty appliance. Home ownership stress is just another big sign to consider senior community living. You probably can’t wait to leave household chores and monthly bills behind. All senior living apartments at Lester are maintained daily, and if something unexpected pops up – one of our staff members will handle it immediately. Sign #3. You need more excitement in your life! A lot of older adults are under the impression that living in a senior community means letting go of your independence. However, it is just the opposite! Letting go of home ownership issues will actually give you more independence and time to do what you want. Not to mention, senior community living offers so much in terms of socialization and activities. If you’re looking for more excitement in your life, consider taking up a new hobby you’ve always dreamed of doing. Have you ever wanted to take Zumba classes? Or learn mahjong with a group? Or even learn about a new culture? With daily tasks taken care of by our reliable staff members, you can now do all of the fun activities above! Better yet, you can take part in all these activities with other residents, who you can one day call your friends. Independent Living and Assisted Living for Seniors in NJ At JCHC’s Lester Senior Living, we offer a wide range of tailored support services for older adults in an environment that prioritizes quality care, independence and socialization. Designed to enhance resident connection, our lively activities program is updated monthly with a variety of classes to suit each resident’s individual interests. Some of our most popular on-site activities include Sit & Be Fit, Movie Matinees, Bingo, Trivia Nights, and JCHC University Classes. For more information about assisted living and independent living options for seniors in NJ, call us today or visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org The original blog is posted at: https://jchcorp.org/signs-youre-ready-for-senior-community-living/ |
AuthorWe offer seniors a range of options in terms of housing, services, amenities, location and cost, all within the Jewish tradition: independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite, affordable housing, enriching programs, and on-site services for our residents, many of whom have special needs. Archives
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