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Falling down may not be an event of much concern for most young people. But as we age, falling becomes a much more frequent problem that can have devastating effects. According to the CDC, one in four Americans aged 65 or above experience a fall each year. And falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.
To help prevent these tragic results, the National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) Falls Free Initiative promotes National Fall Prevention Awareness Day on the first day of Fall. To support that mission, The Landing at Behrman Place Retirement Community in New Orleans shares the following fall prevention tips:
As the body ages, muscles and bones weaken, resulting in a loss of balance. And poor balance increases the risk of falls. The NCOA recommends talking to your doctor about starting an exercise program specifically targeted to improve your strength and balance. Begin with an exercise class or program that is appropriate for your age and skill level, and stick with it. It can take up to 50 hours over the course of six months to measurably improve your balance. But that consistency will pay off by lowering your risk of falling.
As you get older, your home may require some changes to remain safe for you. For example, you may need to remove throw rugs from your floors or use double-sided tape to make sure rugs do not move. Keep walkways and floors free from the clutter that could cause tripping. You may also consider installing safety features like handrails or switching out some of your light fixtures for improved visibility in your home.
Loss of balance and the resulting falls can be the result of symptoms that are not being managed by proper medication, or by the side effects of the medications themselves. Take all of your prescribed medications in order to manage symptoms that could increase your risk of falling, including high or low blood pressure, dizziness, sleep disruption, and other neurological symptoms. Be sure that you are taking all of your medications exactly as instructed, and that you are familiar with any possible side effects. Ensure that you are filling prescriptions at only one pharmacy so the pharmacist can properly evaluate your medication. Regularly check with your doctor to confirm the dosing, usage, and possible interactions of all of your medications.
Worsening vision can lead to falls, so it is important to stay on top of your eye health and vision correction. Book an appointment for an annual eye exam to determine if you need corrective lenses or have any ongoing eye conditions. If you require vision correction, wear it regularly. And because bi-focal, tri-focal or progressive lenses can distort your vision, you may wish to have separate reading glasses. Finally, heed your eye doctor’s recommendations about cataracts or other eye surgeries.
If you live alone, or if your family home is filled with fall risks such as uneven flooring or stairs, it may be time to consider relocating. Independent living communities such as The Landing at Behrman Place are designed not only for your comfort but also for your safety. All of the community’s floorplans are convenient and single-level. And with experienced staff available 24/7, you can have complete peace of mind that any situation will be handled professionally and quickly.
To learn more about becoming a resident at The Landing at Behrman Place Retirement Community, please visit
The Woods at Merrimack Retirement Community, located near the beautiful Merrimack Valley Golf Club, opens early in 2020 and boasts one of the most impressive senior living communities in the Methuen area. While many independent living communities use the term all-inclusive, the definition varies, leaving residents surprised to find what isn’t included in the cost of their rent.
Here’s what independent senior living in Methuen looks like when you choose The Woods at Merrimack.
To learn more about independent senior living in Methuen or claim your apartment when we open in early 2020 (hurry, apartments are filling quickly!), give us a call at 978-212-9942 today. We can’t wait to meet you!
If you’ve been looking for modern, luxurious retirement in the beautiful setting of Boston’s North Shore, The Woods at Merrimack is answering the call in Fall 2019. Bringing together the most innovative amenities in the retirement living industry, this retirement community truly has it all and is offering it up to you in just a few short months. Here’s what you can expect.
Ample parking ensures you can bring your own vehicle without risking street parking and keep your commute from car to door short. Luxurious grounds including a putting green, dog park, bocce ball court, gazebo, grill area, pickleball court, and vibrant gardensto encourage an active lifestyle and provide ample opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature without ever leaving home.The brand-new community is nestled in the grounds, featuring grand, traditional style and leveraging the views of scenic North Shore.
The moment you enter, you’ll recognize that The Woods at Merrimack brings a new standard of retirement living to the Methuen area. High ceilings, refreshing daylight, upscale finishes, and breathtaking views are just a few of the highlights (we’d like to save a little of the surprise for your visit!). Because retirement should be all about you, residents are never charged an additional fee to enjoy the common spaces: state-of-the-art movie theater, library, gathering rooms, gym, and more. Three unique floor plans are available, allowing prospective residents to choose the apartment that best suits their needs.
The Woods at Merrimack offers a myriad of amenities, including:
The Woods at Merrimack aims to bring you the retirement you’ve earned and you deserve by offering luxurious green spaces, welcoming interiors, and all of the amenities you need to sit back, relax, and enjoy your retirement the way you envisioned it all these years. Whether that includes making new friends and experiencing new adventures or simply taking a load off and enjoying the views, The Woods at Merrimack can provide it.
To learn more about the new standard of retirement living that the Woods at Merrimack will bring to the Methuen area, call 864-256-4929 today. We can’t wait to show you the building and grounds and dream of retirement alongside you!
Congrats to every Sunshine poet!
You took the time,
To make it rhyme,
And weren’t afraid to show it.
The above feeble example of an ABBA rhyming scheme can mean only one thing: Sunshine Retirement Living has just announced the winners of our annual Poetry Contest. You can download a copy of the booklet here.
This year’s contest was organized by Leslie Trevino, Life Enhancement Director at Brooke Ridge in Pharr, Texas, and
“This year, we explored the topic of ‘Transitioning into Retirement,’” said Leslie. “We knew it would be something everyone could relate to – joyful and inspiring for many, challenging and bittersweet for others – and that was indeed the case.”
For the judging, Leslie recruited three friends and family members who are also published writers and poets – Kathy Egbert of Leander, Texas, Sandra Paredes of McAllen, Texas, and David Bryant from Copperas Cove, Texas. Bryant is also a reporter for the Killeen DailyHerald.
Judging was based on the following criteria:
Overall, this year’s competition was smaller than last year’s but had more communities represented. That diversity was evidenced in the three highest award winners. The 1st Place Winner of a $50 Gift Card was penned by Alice Sweeney of Garden Way in Eugene, Oregon.
“Fancy clothes and Cadillacs” The fortune cookie said.
Aches and pains and cataracts are what I got instead.
My knees are getting wobbly, and I wake up in a skin
More wrinkled than pajamas that I’d tossed the whole night in.
Everybody mumbles, so I can’t hear what they say.
I’d forget it anyhow. My memory’s gone astray.
But I know God still loves me, and I’ve friends who cheer me on,
So I don’t worry ‘bout the vim and vigor that are gone.
And I still have some body parts that never do get sore.
So I just count my blessings, and then I feel young once more.
– Alice W. Sweeney
The 2nd Place Winner of a $30 Gift Card was a lengthy tome by Jane Cocke Perdue from The Clairmont in Austin, Texas.
The day arrives quickly – surprising us!
Workplace demands have ended,
sending us into another stage of changes,
gravity pulling us toward a center
like moths circling light.
From places near and far
we come as pioneers of old
searching for a new home.
Arriving with trepidation and hesitation,
greeted by the sight of a grand procession
we stand and watch with fascination─
Steering his power chair
like the tank commander
he was in Viet Nam,
he sits erect,
looking straight ahead,
speeding toward the dining room.
She clutches the handlebars
of her well-worn walker,
her daily life-line,
gently lifting and lowering the frame
in steady rhythm
with each painful step.
He shuffles slowly,
shoes scraping the carpet,
right side leaning toward the wall,
knowing he can balance against it
to avoid a fall.
A wheeled chair rolls slowly
down one corridor,
tenderly and carefully pushed
by a partner
of over fifty years.
Each person in this parade of elders
determined to navigate
the long halls of the golden age
from their apartment
to the dining room
to nourish their bodies with good food
and their souls with friendship
and conversation─
We know with the wisdom
of this life phase,
we have found our home
and this parade of elders
will soon become our friends.
– Jane Cocke Perdue
Shirley Laundy from The Continental in Austin also went to great lengths with were poem and was rewarded with 3rd Place and a $20 Gift Card.
Easing into retirement? It all
goes in stages –
Changing, evolving as each
person ages.
For me it began with excitement
and fun.
As I played with my love in
the Florida sun.
The kids came to visit – then
grandkids – a bonus!
They moved far out west but,
oh well! They’d still phone us.
But as years sped on by it
was harder to travel.
My idyllic existence began to
unravel.
Friends faded away. There were
fewer vacations.
The ER was one of our prime
destinations.
Then one day I awoke and my
dreams were all shattered.
I faced life alone and I felt
nothing mattered.
Yet time eases pain and after
a while.
I went on with my life – even
started to smile.
My days settled into a
pleasant routine.
My home was my castle. I
reigned there as queen.
I gladly flew westward for
special occasions –
Weddings and birthdays – no
missed celebrations.
Not even my 90th! Yikes!
Could this be true?
Was I really that old? Now
what should I do?
My far away family was
worried and so
I decided ‘twas time just
to pack up and go.
So now I’m in Texas with
family at hand
Trying retirement home living
and so far it’s grand.
The staff here is gracious. I
like my new pad.
Most people are friendly. The
food isn’t bad.
So I thank the dear Lord for
this thrilling new chapter
In my quest to seek life
happily ever after.
– Shirley Laundy
Congratulations to the winners and all those who participated in this year’s contest. Whether it’s expressed through poetry or a warm smile, we are delighted to help so many who are transitioning into retirement and to do whatever we can to create your happily ever after.
This blog was first published here: Sunshine Retirement Living, June 2019.
Your experiences during facility visits often drive your decisions when it comes to memory care. During your visit to Lake Charles memory care community The Verandah, we recommend you take full advantage and participate in a number of engaging activities to ensure you’re able to make a decision with all of the information available to you.
Based on our own residents’ experiences and input, here’s what we recommend you do while you’re here:
You’ll see them in the common areas and green spaces during your visit, so we encourage you to say hello and pull up a chair when you do. Our current residents can tell you more about living at The Verandah, and many of them moved here from other local communities and care to share those experiences with you, too. Ask them tough questions:
We’ve always said that our past and present residents are our best marketers. They’re always eager to share their experiences with us and others, driving us to become the best at what we do.
Whether prospective residents are interested in Assisted Living or our specialized Alzheimer’s and Memory Care programs, food is always an important factor. Assisted living folks are often seeking opportunities to cook less at home (while keeping the option open so they can cook when they choose to) without sacrificing the flavors they love. Memory care residents have an added interested in dining, as reduced appetite is common, and nutrition plays a key role in their cognitive health.
We can answer all of your questions about our specialized, gourmet menu options – following the recommendations of the MIND diet – but we’d also like you to experience it for yourself. Take advantage of a free meal during your site visit so you know exactly what to expect here as you make your decision.
If you let our friendly staff know what you or your loved one enjoy doing most when you call to schedule your visit, we’ll be happy to choose a time that coincides with an activity or event that will pique their interest. Examples include Wheel of Fortune, fitness classes, video games, Zumba, and local outings.
Attending an activity or event while you’re here serves a number of purposes:
We’ve also found that many residents express that while they’re looking for more adventure and social opportunities, they want the opportunity to choose which activities speak to them and whether they feel up to attending or not. Attending an activity gives prospective residents an opportunity to learn more about the other participants.
Friends and family members of residents in our Alzheimer’s and Memory Care programs often express worry that their loved one will be excluded from activities due to disruptive behaviors or decline in cognitive health. Many of those concerned have found that attending our specialized programming during their site visit quickly eased their worries.
To visit The Verandah Retirement Community in Lake Charles, call 337-508-0396 today. We can’t wait to meet you.
Senior living today is hardly recognizable compared to it’s 1950s counterpart. Here are the major changes that have taken the industry by storm since then.
Healthcare Segment Leader at Granger Construction, Jon Update describes the evolution of senior living facilities over the past several decades. 50 years ago, senior living communities were designed and built with one purpose: to provide for the healthcare needs of the aging population. Because the focus was primarily or even entirely on healthcare, these senior living communities didn’t look so different from a hospital or inpatient ward.
However, the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid in the 1960s led to a revolution in senior care. It was during this time that organizations began to change their vision from providing healthcare to providing a retirement lifestyle featuring comfort and luxury. And so the buildings themselves evolved; many rebuilt, including shops and services on site, restaurant-like dining rooms, grand views, peaceful walking paths, and more.
While retirement communities of the past were staffed primarily by nurses and orderlies, today’s retirement communities have a much different schedule. Clinical staff are still important in communities where assisted living or memory care are offered, but perhaps the greatest investment is in staff selected to contribute to a luxurious retirement:
Today, more staff are available simply for resident luxury than ever before.
How seniors view retirement living has evolved as communities have evolved to meet their needs. Healthcare-focused senior living communities of the past were often at odds with their own residents; that is, residents moved in because they had to, not because they wanted to. Perhaps an even greater issues was the discord resulting in families when mom or dad had to be placed in a facility for better long-term care, essentially taking away the things that brought them fulfillment at home. Retirees often asked, “Why did you do this to me?” or, “Why can’t I go home?”
Today, the vast majority of retirees we meet with are asking different questions:
As we’ve been at the center of the evolution of senior care, we’ve seen these independent living communities become a luxury and a life goal for seniors in New Orleans. We’ve seen more and more seniors incorporate our communities into their retirement plans and then wait eagerly for move-in day.
The greatest benefit to these changes? Seniors today make their own choice to move in and experience the resort-style retirement they’ve earned, eliminating the hurt feelings between parents or grandparents and loved ones making decisions about their care.
To learn more about the modern amenities at The Landing at Behrman Place, schedule your visit and tour today. We’re eager to meet you.
Any time is a good time to explore the lifestyle you want, but we see a peak in new residents in early summer. Here’s why.
Taking the plunge now means you can pack your things and get them moved before we hit those July and August highs or those December and January lows in Hot Springs. April, May, and June offer temps ranging from about 50 to 89 degrees, making moving easiest for those who don’t want to be exposed to extreme hot or cold.
When you move in late Spring or early Summer, you take full advantage of the gardening that comes with independent living communities, which means you can enjoy beautiful grounds and green spaces, contribute to those projects in whatever way you choose, but never feel tied down as the work continues when you’re on vacation or not in the mood to spend time weeding.
Predicting your monthly expenses when you live at home (often on a fixed income) can be a challenge. Not only do you have to plan for major appliance repairs and regular home maintenance, but air conditioning in the summer months can cause unpredictable hikes in your energy bill. A number of our residents have shared that knowing those air conditioning bills were just around the corner was a factor in their decision; it helped them justify the retirement lifestyle they want and make decisions without delay.
It’s during these months that many of us aim to see places we’ve never seen before or go visit our loved ones who live far away. Many of our residents start exploring their options in the spring so that by early summer they’re settling in and making plans, taking full advantage of our travel program. Country Club Village’s travel program offers residents the opportunity to travel to 26 other sister communities nestled into some of the most beautiful cities in the United States, enjoying free dining, lodging, and activities while they’re there. This allows residents to cut down on travel costs, enjoy adventure, visit loved ones, and make new friends all year long. Independent living also supports travel by ensuring your home and yard are maintained while you’re away.
Retirement communities offer an adventurous and luxurious lifestyle marked by fewer responsibilities and obligations and more opportunity to make new friends, soak up the sun, and experience local culture and events. Early summer is the perfect time to move into an independent living community so you can enjoy access to tons of local events, all of the summer fun within the community, free local transportation, and camaraderie with neighbors and new friends.
Even those who love to cook often find that cooking becomes a chore during the hottest months of the year. Independent Living offers you the best of both worlds: the option to cook when you’d like to and the option to enjoy gourmet meals and snacks prepared by a chef when you’d rather not. Because 24/7 dining is included in the regular cost of rent, there is no increase in cost when you choose to “dine out” and enjoy the meals offered by the community.
To learn more, schedule a tour of Country Club Village today!
When you tour senior apartments for rent in Dunwoody, Georgia, there are a few things you can expect nearly everywhere you go:
At Dunwoody Pines, our goal isn’t to meet your needs but to exceed your wildest dreams. This is your retirement and you worked hard to get here! Here’s what we offer above and beyond other communities to give you an adventurous, relaxing, and luxurious retirement experience:
Complementing the full range of amenities at Dunwoody Pines is a calendar that leaves nothing to be desired. You can expect a weekly rendition of Are you smarter than a 5th grader? and a monthly staff cook-off alongside a full stack of other creative activities to make it easy to have fun. Many residents call the community “The Cruise Ship” Dunwoody Pines due to the resemblance between this community and high-end cruise vacations.
Whether you’re seeking community living options in Dunwoody because you’re ready to put your feet up and enjoy the simple life you earned or because you want to make new friends and experience new things, Dunwoody Pines is the community you’ve been looking for. Every aspect of the community is intentional, designed with the purpose to create a warm, inviting, and fun-filled retirement that’s all about you.
Invest in you. Schedule your community tour to meet our fun, friendly team and learn more about Dunwoody Pines today – you earned it and you deserve it!
*This blog was first published here: Sunshine Retirement Living, May, 2019
We visit with modern retirees all the time who have been exploring retirement communities in Oregon – primarily for the amenities and community environment – but dread the thought of coordinating a move. They worry about coordinating real estate agents to sell their current home, movers to get their belongings from their previous home to their new apartment or cottage, and even cleaners to prepare their home for showing on the market and a potential sale.
As we asked questions to learn more about these prospective residents, we were surprised to learn that it was the cost of services that concerned them as much as coordinating the communication, contracts, and arrangements. When they’re ready to settle down and enjoy retirement, they simply aren’t interested in scheduling meetings and making phone calls and handling the complex details that surround a life change like this one.
For that reason, Sunshine Retirement Living has answered the call by offering a free Easy-Move program to residents in all of its communities, including Garden Way in Eugene, Oregon. The Easy-Move program takes away the stress of coordination so you can choose the retirement you want and let the pieces fall into place. This program includes coordination of moving services in addition to a myriad of other services to make your transition smooth and peaceful for you.
Garden Way’s Easy-Move staff have relationships with several local organizations who specialize in each aspect of the transition to retirement living. Some of the services they’re able to provide through these unique partnerships include:
Although these partners do charge a fee for their services, you’ll never be for coordination of services through Garden Way.
Many retirees have shared that they may not have moved forward with their dream retirement without access to the Easy-Move program. Knowing that you have a team of experts available to coordinate moving services and provide support along the way might be just what you need to take the next step.
*When it comes to independent living Eugene’s Garden Way checks all the boxes: Schedule a site visit today to get connected with all the services you need to enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
How you spend your golden retirement years is a very personal decision. After spending a lifetime hard at work – inside the home, outside the home, or both – only you can decide how you spend your hard-earned retirement.
We find that many retirees who choose a retirement community cite six primary reasons. Here they are.
After the hard work that comes with raising a family, building a home, or growing a career, many retirees are ready for a simpler lifestyle that only requires cooking, cleaning, and gardening when they so desire. With monthly rent that often includes housekeeping services, home maintenance, and 24/7 dining options, retirement communities answer the call.
When you’re working or raising a family, connections are a natural part of your day. But establishing and maintaining friendships during requirement can be a little more challenging, especially if you aren’t interested in driving in Austin traffic. Many retirees choose to spend their years in an Austin retirement community because making friends and staying connected is nearly effortless.
Having everything you need in one place can make all the difference in the world. On-site salons, dining options, and gyms mean less travel and more luxury. Perhaps even more important, free local transportation means you can get to and from appointments and local retailers without the stress of Austin traffic.
With fewer responsibilities at home – like home maintenance and housekeeping – Austin senior community residents are more mobile in general. They can travel, visit friends and family, or simply enjoy adventure in their retirement without worry about home.
Additionally, retirement communities promote adventure by providing free local transportation and planning frequent outings and adventures for residents. Lady Bird Lake, McKinney Falls State Park, and Mount Bonnell are well within your reach when you choose all-inclusive independent living in Austin.
Expenses vary substantially at home; a high electric bill or broken washing machine can quickly derail your budget. All-inclusive retirement communities offer the convenience and luxury of senior community living at one low cost, which means you can predict what you’ll spend every single month, allowing you to spend more on the things you want to spend on and less on the things you have to spend on.
Finally, a number of retirees choose community living for security and peace of mind. Residents are safe in their own apartments due to deadbolts on every unit and staff presence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Response time in case of a medical emergency is substantially less than response time for those who live at home as a result of on-site staff. A quick call to our 24/7 front desk gets help directly to your apartment in just a matter of moments.
One important thing to note – and a frequent concerned voiced by prospective residents – is that you can maintain your independence in a senior living community. In fact, most residents don’t need any help at all with their personal cares or activities of daily living; they simply enjoy the convenience and luxury of community living.
To learn more about senior living options in Austin, schedule to visit The Clairmont today. Our staff are compassionate about luxurious retirement and eager to share the experience with you (and answer all of your pressing questions). Sample the cuisine, tour an apartment, and find out whether this option is within your budget during your on-site visit.
*This blog was first published here: Sunshine Retirement Living, March, 2019.