<!–[CDATA[It’s a common misconception that seniors who call an independent living or an assisted living community home can’t take advantage of hospice services. Many people think that this end-of-life care option is only available for adults who live in a private house or at an in-patient hospice care center.
 
The truth is hospice providers in Indiana can deliver care and services in whatever setting the patient calls home. It might be their private residence, an adult child’s home or a senior living community they reside in. This type of care allows the senior to remain in their own comfortable, familiar environment.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice is a special type of care provided to people with a life-limiting illness. It’s typically provided at the end-of-life. Hospice care is covered by Medicare and other private insurances. Some not-for-profit providers also care for those without coverage regardless of their ability to pay. 

A hospice team is made up of a number of important members, including: 

• Social workers and spiritual counselors to support you and your family.
• Home health aides who will assist your aging loved one with personal care needs.
• An on-call nurse who is available 24 hours a day for any emergency that comes up.
• Volunteers to provide support and companionship to patients and caregivers.
• A physician to oversee the patient’s plan of care.

 
The goal of hospice care is to optimize each patient’s comfort level and focus on the quality of life. This type of treatment does not try to find a cure for your loved one’s illness.

How Does My Aging Loved One Receive Hospice Care in an Assisted Living Community?

Seniors that live in assisted living community and need end-of-life care do not need to leave the apartment they call home. In fact, according to the Assisted Living Federation of America, nearly one-third of seniors in a senior living community receive hospice care in their apartments.
 
If you’re considering helping your loved one move into a community like Five Star Senior Living, you can have peace of mind knowing your family will be able to work with a hospice provider of your choice if the need arises.
 
 
 
 

It might also be a time when families start to wonder if their loved one may need to consider moving to a senior living community.

Senior Adults are Resilient, but They Still Need Help Coping

Your senior loved one has probably lived through many transitions throughout his or her lifetime already. This is one more in a long line of life-changing events.

However, even though older adults are resilient, they still need help with the transition to a senior living community. That’s often true even if they don’t mind the upcoming change.

Some Older Adults Don’t Mind the Idea of Transitioning

For many seniors, this type of transition is a welcome and natural change. They may even look forward to having the essentials of daily living taken care of for them. This is especially true if they have been secretly struggling to complete chores and errands for many months before anyone noticed.

Plus many older adults anticipate enjoying the array of activities and events offered in their new community.

Finally, the opportunities for social engagement are another attractive feature of senior living communities for many older Americans. As people age, they often lose contact with their former friends and family members due to loss, mobility issues, or cognitive impairment that makes socialization difficult. Being surrounded by peers who share similar struggles can provide the emotional support a senior often needs.

Helping Your Senior Loved One Make the Transition

Even if your loved one is comfortable with the transition to senior living and agrees wholeheartedly that it’s going to be a welcome change, you’ll still need to help prepare him or her for the change.

Here are a few tips:

1. Be there to talk. Anyone who’s about to experience a big change will need to talk about it. This usually needs to take place over time: days, weeks or even months. Simply making yourself available to listen can makes all the difference in the world.
2. Validate his or her concerns. Even in the best of circumstances, when everyone is in agreement about the move, your senior loved one will have questions and concerns. It would be a mistake to downplay his or her fears by simply offering blind reassurance that everything will be wonderful. Be honest about the transition but stress that you’ll work through it together.
3. Get everyone involved. One fear many older adults have as they make this move is that they’ll somehow become cut off from what’s so important to them: their former community and their friends and family. Get more people involved in preparing him or her for the move. That way, you’re showing that the support network is still there.
4. Find out what helps your senior loved one cope. Everyone copes with change in a different manner. If your senior loved one likes to keep busy when they are working through stress, then make sure they have plenty to do before and after the move. If your loved one prefers some alone time to work things out, let the staff members at their senior living community know.

Five Star Senior Living – Senior Living at its Best

Transitions can be tough, but these tips should help the move go smoothly. If you and your senior loved one have decided it’s time for a move to a senior living community, we invite you to visit one of the Five Star Senior Living communities near you.

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<!–[CDATA[When an older loved one begins to need a little extra help, families usually start searching for solutions. While many are aware of assisted living communities, most don’t understand what they offer or how they are different from other types of senior housing.

If you are wondering if an assisted living community is the right option for your family member, here are a few things that might help you decide. 

What Families Should Know About Assisted Living Communities

1. Residents are free to set their own schedules.

There are a lot of misconceptions about assisted living communities. One that sometimes keeps older adults from considering this senior option is the fear they will lose their independence. In reality, residents of assisted living communities have the freedom to come and go as they please. They are also free to participate in as many—or as few—life enrichment activities as they choose. There are no rigid schedules to follow!

2. Private apartments and suites are standard.

Another worry many older adults have is that they will lose their privacy if they decide to move to an assisted living community. While there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the companionship of neighbors, every resident has their own private apartment or suite. 

3. There are an abundance of wellness programs and daily activities.

Another myth about senior housing communities is that there isn’t much to do beyond playing card games and bingo. It’s true that you’ll likely find a competitive game of cards or a spirited round of bingo happening, but there are many more activities and events to participate in as well. Most assisted living communities host art classes, musical events, movie nights, religious services, and wellness programs on a daily or weekly basis.

4. Monthly fees include utilities, meals, and more.

Assisted living communities are a good value. The monthly fee typically includes a wide variety of benefits, services, and amenities. There are a few standard features common across the senior living industry. These include utilities, cable, housekeeping, laundry, life-enrichment activities, wellness programs, meals and snacks, and a private apartment or suite. Other amenities are sometimes offered for additional fees, such as a beauty shop, transportation services, and off-campus outings.

5. Pets are sometimes welcome.

Many assisted living communities know that pets are family members, too. That’s why an increasing number of communities happily welcome pets. Talk with the staff at any community you are considering to see if there are size and weight restrictions or other rules regarding pets. 

Assisted Living at Five Star

The best way to learn more about assisted living is by scheduling a private tour of a community near you. With over 270 communities in 30 states, you’ll likely find a Five Star Senior Living community near you. Call us today at (853) 457-8271 to set up a time to visit and have all of your questions answered!

celebrate the nation’s birth with a picnic this week, here’s what you need to know so nobody gets sick.

It’s a Picnic — What Could Happen?

A picnic in the park (or on the front lawn) isn’t the most dangerous way to spend the Fourth of July. Many people celebrate with firecrackers, after all! 

That may leave you wondering why you need to be thinking about health and safety when you’re merely planning a fun picnic for seniors. 

But sparklers and quarterstick firecrackers aren’t the only dangers associated with this holiday week. 

There’s also the common threat of food poisoning. 

Food-borne bacteria love picnics, too. The warm weather is their ideal environment. And as most of us have witnessed at one time or another, people tend to leave food out in the open for long periods of time at picnics. 

Here’s how to protect your picnic-ers from foodborne illness as you celebrate Independence Day.

Proper Picnic Containers are Key

A lot of time can pass between the time you take your picnic food out of the fridge and the time it’s placed on the picnic table. That’s often enough time for bacteria to begin to thrive. 

There’s another reason to use proper containers when transporting your food. 

Those containers serve double duty. They help keep food at ideal temperatures during transport and they also serve to keep food cool throughout the duration of the picnic. 

Here are some guidelines for packing and storing the picnic food:

• Pack food in a cooler with frozen gel packs or plenty of ice. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration says to aim for an internal cooler temperature of 40°F to prevent bacteria from growing. 
• Pack extra ice. Cars become hot in summer. The internal temperature of your vehicle can quickly change the temperature of food. Pack food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs so you can keep things chilled.
• Use more than one cooler for food. If you’re going to be grilling, pack a separate cooler for the raw meat. This can help prevent cross-contamination of your other picnic food. 
• Pack a third cooler for drinks. That way, when people continuously reach for cold drinks, they’re not opening the food coolers and letting out all the cold air. 
• Put a time limit on how long food stays out in the sun. The AARP recommends two hours maximum. If it’s 90°F or higher, allow only one hour. 

More Healthy Picnic Tips for Seniors

• Use pasteurized eggs. The AARP also recommends only pasteurized eggs for seniors who often have compromised immune systems. This may help reduce the risk of salmonella. 
• Wash hands. People often forget about washing hands before handling food at picnics. That’s a mistake! Bring handi-wipes in case there’s no running water nearby. They’re also handy if running water is located in a spot that’s difficult for seniors with mobility issues to reach. 
• Leftovers. Pack up uneaten food immediately once everyone has finished eating. Your ice or gel packs will come in handy at this point. Then, once you’re back home, put food in the refrigerator immediately. 

Stay Healthy and Keep up the Tradition!

We hope this has helped you prepare for the Fourth of July festivities you may have planned for this week. We also applaud all caregivers for the efforts they take to provide care for seniors, especially on holidays. 

Here at Five Star Senior Living, we understand the value of traditions like picnics on the Fourth of July. After all, warmth and hospitality are a cornerstone of what we do every day!

Where you live plays an important role in your personal identity. Susan Clayton, an environmental psychologist who guides student research at the College of Wooster in Ohio, agrees. She notes that while it’s not true for everyone, home is how we identify ourselves.

That partly explains why we decorate and spruce up our home and gardens. These functions serve as both self-expression and a show of pride to the outside world.

When Where You Call Home is Assisted Living

This is all good information to know and consider as you are helping a senior family member search for an assisted living community. Remember, the home where your loved one currently resides may have been home for decades. It’s instilled with memories – in many cases a lifetime of them.

So, how does one begin searching for an assisted living community that your loved one will be proud to call home?

For many older adults, the answer lies in the word “community”.

Searching for a Senior Living Community

Here are a few tips to consider in your search.

A Sense of Community

There’s a long list of criteria you should use when searching for a good place for your loved one to call home. You can and should begin your search with checklist in hand, matching your options against the list as you search.

But knowing the fundamental basis for everything that defines an assisted living community will be far more helpful to you as you narrow your choices.

The determining factor of what makes an assisted living community a comfortable fit for your loved one is a sense of community. When the people who work there, as well as the people who live there, feel a strong sense of community, everything else can fall into place the way you need it to.

Ask About Staff Turnover

One sure-fire way to make a place not feel like home is to have a constantly-changing carousel of caregivers. If staff members are unhappy with their jobs, something may be amiss and chances are there’s not a very strong sense of community present.

That’s why making multiple visits before making a final decision is an important part of your search. Talk to staff, residents, and families and you will probably be able to tell a lot about the culture of the community.

Learn More About Staff

While we’re on the subject of staff, the staff-to-resident ratio is crucial, too. When there isn’t enough staff to help things run smoothly, it’s pretty difficult to maintain a good, strong community feeling. Overworked staff members are usually unhappy. When they’re unhappy, they probably won’t make good caregivers.

Ask What Kind of Staff They Have

Assisted living communities aren’t required to have a nurse on duty 24/7 in many states. The ones that do have a nursing team will stand out. It’s a nice benefit, and speaks to the commitment of the community to your loved one’s health. Ask what staff members are present during non-business hours, as well as during the daytime.

Sample Being Part of the Community Yourself

Eating a meal or two with residents can open up doors to conversations that will shed light on the sense of community. Ask about attending a lunch or dinner with residents so both you and your loved one can really get to the heart of the place: seniors who live there already.

Other Questions to Ask on Your Senior Living Search

Of course, there’s the business side of things, you should also ask about. Important questions to have answered include:

1. forms of payment the community accepts
2. whether they have plans in place to allow your loved one to age in place
3. what licenses they have
4. what activities they offer
5. whether they provide transportation to medical appointments
6. whether pets are allowed
7. whether there’s a waiting list

Visit a Five Star Senior Living Community Near You

We invite you to visit a Five Star Senior Living community near you. You’ll no doubt recognize the strong sense of community and caregiver support our residents enjoy every day when your tour.

Plan to stay for lunch or dinner when you visit so you and your senior loved one can enjoy the Five Star Signature Dining Experience firsthand!

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) reports that more than 20 percent of the population will be age 65 and older by 2030. As a result, more older adults will be moving to a senior living community.

While some seniors may be hesitant to move into an independent living community or assisted living community, there are a surprising number of benefits associated with the transition.

Here are ten ways senior living communities improve the lives of older adults.

Exploring the Benefits of Senior Living Communities

1. Socialization Social isolation leads to detrimental health consequences including depression and disease. When seniors move into an assisted living community, they are encouraged to participate in planned social activities that relate to their favorite hobbies and interests. Life enrichment is a key to successful aging.
2. Physical Activity Living in a senior community presents older adults with opportunities to engage in fitness classes like Zumba and Chair yoga. The best part is these activities are a short walk down to the activity center. No transportation required! These convenient exercise opportunities are great options for older adults with limited transportation options.
3. Healthy Diet Adult children have peace of mind knowing their aging parent is eating a well-balanced diet while living in a senior community. Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining with an opportunity to socialize with friends at each meal.
4. Independence As we age, the fear of losing our independence looms large. But moving to a senior living community is one of the best ways for an older adult to receive the support they need to maintain their independence. Individual apartments or suites in a senior living community allow seniors to live independently knowing assistance is nearby if needed.
5. Safety There are many safety benefits to consider when thinking about moving into a senior living community. They range from personal security to health management support. An attentive staff ensures older adults are healthy and mobile while giving family members peace of mind that their loved one is safe.
6. Transportation A significant factor for maintaining independence is transportation. Most senior living communities provide transportation to and from errands, appointments and shopping centers. Transportation services also take stress off of family caregivers who may be juggling a full-time career and family of their own with the needs of an aging parent.
7. Improve Caregivers’ Health Adult children can hand over some of their responsibilities to the staff at the senior living community including meal preparations, medication management and housekeeping. When their senior loved one moves into an independent or assisted living community, the family caregiver often feels less stressed and weary. It allows them to regain their own health and to more fully enjoy the time they spend with their loved one.
8. Health Management Senior living communities offer a variety of wellness programs in-house. From fall prevention programs to weight monitoring and medication management, these services help residents stay active longer.
9. Memory Care According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than five million Americans lived with dementia in 2015. If your aging loved one is affected by the disease, a memory care community may be the ideal solution. These communities provide the necessary stimulation, nutrition and security for older adults with cognitive loss.
10. Personal Care As we age, it’s harder to pay proper attention to our personal hygiene. The staff at a senior living community can provide personal care for older adults in the comfort of their rooms. These communities also offer in-house beauty salon services on a weekly basis.At first glance, encouraging a loved one into a senior living community might feel frightening. But the big move will likely turn out to be the best move to help them to live a longer and healthier life.

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