When you are visiting assisted living communities with a senior in your life, it’s easy to get distracted by lush grounds or a beautifully appointed lobby. While these are attractive features, they aren’t a true measure of the quality of care the community’s team provides.

To help you and your loved one make the best decision, we have a list of tips to keep in mind as you tour assisted living communities.

How to Make an Informed Choice about an Assisted Living Community

1. The staff-resident relationships

The number and quality of staff members will have a big impact on the quality of care your loved one receives. As you tour the community, ask about the resident-to-staff ratio. Also, pay attention to the interactions between caregivers and residents. Do they appear engaged and familiar with one another? Are the relationships warm and friendly?

Another question relates to the average length of staff tenure. A high turnover rate can be a signal that the community is not well managed. Continuity of care is important in an assisted living environment. It gives both residents and caregivers an opportunity to know one another. When staff members are familiar with residents, they can identify potential health issues early.

2. Does the community look, feel, and smell good?

A well-managed assisted living community will look, feel, and smell good. As you and your senior loved one tour, look for indicators that the community is well-kept. Are resident rooms and common areas clean and well maintained? Do you notice repairs that need to be made? Is the community free from odors?

Also, pay attention to the community’s distinctive personality. Is it casual and comfortable or more formal? Do residents seem friendly and welcoming? Can you picture your loved one living there? These are important factors to consider.

3. What happens when more care is needed?

As we grow older, physical mobility often becomes more difficult. Because of this reality, it’s important to ask specific questions at every assisted living community you visit. Find out what support is provided when aging residents need assistance. 

Is the community able to provide additional care and services? Will the senior need to make another move if they need more care? If so, under what circumstances would relocating be necessary? Some assisted living communities are able to care for residents with more advanced needs or those who develop dementia. Clarify these issues before making your decision.

4. How much are monthly fees and other anticipated expenses?

Each assisted living community you tour will have a method for establishing monthly fees. Because of this, it can be difficult to compare costs between different properties. Make sure you understand how the monthly fees are assessed and what expenses you are likely to incur. Also, be sure to ask how often community fees increase, by how much, and what type of notice families are given.

5. How did the community perform during state surveys?

Assisted living communities are governed at the state level. While regulations can vary greatly from one state to another, all states require assisted living communities to go through a routine survey process. Communities must make survey results available to anyone who wants to review them. This is an important step to remember when making your decision. 

Many states now publish survey results online either through the Department of Health or the Department of Aging. If your state doesn’t publish their survey results, ask the staff at the assistant living community for a copy. Many keep them in a binder in the Executive Director’s office or in the lobby.

Talking with a Senior About Assisted Living

If you haven’t yet tackled the topic of moving to assisted living with your family member, the start of a new year is a great time for doing so. “How to Talk to Your Parent About Senior Living” can help you figure out the best way to start this discussion.

<!–[CDATA[The decision to move a parent, grandparent, or any senior loved one into assisted living is never an easy one to make. It’s not always simple after you’ve made the decision either, especially when you and your family are trying to determine where the senior should move to. 

Broadly speaking, it comes down to two choices—should your senior loved one stay close to their home or is it better for them to move near a family member?

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Location

Take the following four factors into consideration and you’ll make a tough decision much easier:

1. Which Location Offers the Highest Quality Care?

This is clearly the most important consideration. After all, extra care and support are why you decided on assisted living in the first place, so quality and fit have to be at the top of the list. 

Though there are assisted living communities in virtually every region of the country, there may or may not be one that’s a good fit in every city. Find the community that offers the highest quality care and the right location will follow.

2. Where Will They Have the Most Companionship and Support?

This question might require some soul searching but the answer will get you much closer to a decision. Everyone wants to be close to their loved ones as they grow older. However, moving them closer to you may or may not be the best solution. 

It’s a matter of quality over quantity. If your senior loved one has a wide circle of friends that they see frequently, the most loving decision might be to keep them closer to their current home. If they don’t have this kind of support and love nearby, relocating them closer to family might be the best move.

3. Where Does Your Senior Loved One Want to Live?

This almost goes without saying, but it’s still a good reminder. Your loved one will be the most affected by your decision, so it’s only right to take their wishes seriously. Many seniors fear that they’re losing their independence already. Giving them the deciding voice in such an important decision will help to counter this natural fear.

4. There’s Comfort in Familiarity and Change Can Be Scary

This means you’ll need to weigh the positives of moving your senior loved one to a brand new location against keeping them close to home. In other words, there should be enough benefits to offset the loss of familiarity if you choose to move them closer to an adult child or other family member.

The Hardest Part is Behind You

We know how difficult this process might be for you and your family. You’ve already taken an important first step toward improving the life of your senior loved one. That happened when you decided on assisted living in the first place. 

Yes, there’s still some uncertainty ahead but you can rest assured that things will fall into place now that the hardest part is behind you.

Five Star Senior Living is Behind You, Too!

You don’t have to make any of these decisions all on your own. We’re behind you with whatever information or support we can give. Contact us at any time if we can be of assistance to you and your family. 

Better yet, let us arrange a personal tour of one of our communities. Call us to set up a time!

<!–[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.

Contact Us Today

<!–[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!

Ever since you got your license, driving your car has been the key to maintaining an independent lifestyle. As you get older, what you want out of a car can change. Maybe you’d like to downsize from a big SUV, go green with an all-electric vehicle, or just get a car that is easier to get in and out of.
All the different options out there can seem overwhelming, but thanks to innovations within the automotive industry that promote senior-friendly amenities, there’s never been a better time to look at a new set of wheels.
From safety and comfort to performance and looks, here are our top five best cars for seniors:

Subaru Legacy

Offering a smooth ride, plenty of passenger space, and all-wheel drive, the mid size Subaru Legacy gets the job done for older drivers. This car comes with a suite of safety features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Optional add-ons include: turbocharged four-cylinder engine,

Prices start at $23,000

Kia Soul

Although this more affordable car seems to only advertise to a younger demographic, the Kia Soul is a surprisingly senior-friendly car. Big doors make it easy to access the chair-height seats and the visibility from the driver’s seat is terrific. As if that’s not enough, its compact size makes parallel parking a cinch.

Optional add-ons include: Heated steering wheel, ventilated seats.

Prices start at $19,000

BMW 5 Series

For those with the means that are looking for a little more luxury the BMW 5 Series is one of the best midsize sedans on the market. Wide opening doors make for easy access, large windows allow for great visibility, and multiple assistive technologies make driving a breeze.

Optional add-ons include: multiple model options including hybrid electric model, remote engine start, ceramic controls, gesture control

Prices start at $54,000

Chevrolet Bolt EV

Say goodbye to stops at the gas station with this all-electric hatchback. Despite a small size, the Bolt can fit up to four adults and there’s plenty of cargo space with foldable seats for extra room. The Bolt gives older adults a greener, downsized driving option. With up to 259 miles on a full charge, the Bolt only takes 10 hours to charge—even less if using a DC fast-charger.

Optional add-ons include: blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert.

Prices start at $31,500

Toyota Camry Hybrid

If you’re not ready to go full electric, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a great alternative, especially for those who rack up a lot of miles. The terrific gas mileage combined with a comfortable cabin and straightforward infotainment system make this a popular option for older adults.

Optional add-ons include: wood inlays and leather upholstery in other models, larger infotainment system screen, navigation, and wireless device charging, moonroof.

Prices start at $27,000

Driving Alternatives for Seniors

Even with all the bells and whistles to make you feel safer, if you’re still feeling uncomfortable getting behind the wheel, you may want to consider moving to a retirement community like Five Star Senior Living. The transportation services offered at each community will provide you with the same amount of freedom you receive from driving, but without any of the worry or car-related expenses.
It can be challenging for older adults to know when to transition to not having a license. Begin by making an honest assessment of you or your loved one’s mental and physical health. There are several ways to evaluate a senior’s ability to drive safely.
Just because an older adult is having difficulties with driving doesn’t mean their license has to be surrendered. There are several driving aids that can make driving safer and more comfortable.
It can take courage to broach the subject of surrendering a license. If you’re an adult child concerned about an older parent make sure to approach the conversation with empathy and support. Try to make the decision together and remember the most important part of the conversation is keeping drivers safe.

Find a Community

Today’s older adults have a wide variety of senior housing options to consider. There are choices tailored to meet every desire and need. But outdated or downright inaccurate myths about senior living communities still persist. These myths may cause a senior who would greatly benefit from moving to a community to avoid doing so. 

In an effort to separate the facts from the myths when it comes to senior living, we are addressing a few of the most common ones.

Dispelling Common Myths About Senior Living 

Myth: Senior living communities are boring places to live.

Fact: This is far from true! In addition to opportunities for informal gatherings, residents in senior living communities have a wide variety of life enrichment activities and outings to enjoy every day.

At Five Star communities, for example, residents benefit from our Lifestyle360 program. It’s designed to provide residents with activities that nurture the body, mind, and spirit. You’ll find everything from watercolor workshops to yoga and book clubs happening every day. 

Myth: Senior living communities are so expensive only wealthy people can afford them.

Fact: When you factor in the personal care, services, and amenities that are usually included in the monthly fee at a senior living community, it becomes easier to see what a cost-effective solution it can be. 

We encourage seniors and their families to remember that even when the mortgage is paid off, there are still many costs associated with maintaining an older adult’s home. Cable, utilities, lawn care, snow removal, insurance, property tax, maintenance, repairs, and groceries are just a few. 

If a senior is having a tough time keeping up, you might also need to pay an aide to assist with housekeeping, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. The older adult may also require personal care assistance, such as help bathing and dressing. 

Then there are miscellaneous expenses such as health club memberships and transportation. These may go away with a move to a senior community.

Myth: The food is awful in senior living communities.

Fact: This is another myth that needs busting! Senior living communities often have a chef who oversees their dining program. At Five Star, we are fortunate enough to have celebrity chef, Brad Miller, as a part of our team. He helps the chefs at our local communities develop meal plans that are delicious, as well as nutritious. 

Have Another Question?

If you have a question we didn’t address here, give us a call at (617) 796-8387. One of our experienced team members will be happy to help!