Adjusting to Senior Living at Meadow Valley

With any move, there can be stages of adjustment. For older adults, that transition can look different. Making the move into a senior living community can be prompted by a variety of challenging lifestyle changes, but senior living is meant to uplift and benefit your later stages of life.

Here are some ways to help adjust to senior living and make the most out of this period of your life.

Explore What Your Community Has to Offer

Push yourself to explore the community so you can become more accustomed to the senior living lifestyle. From there, it is easier to find a routine, get settled and start enjoying this new chapter. There are opportunities to expand your social activity with shared community spaces and events, but balance is also accessible with private rooms. Our senior living communities are built to sustain a happy and healthy lifestyle so that you can keep enjoying life.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Knowing that every day may not look the same is important to keep in mind when moving into a senior living community. It takes time to feel comfortable and adjusted to a new place. Many experts suggest that it can take 3-6 months to adjust to senior living, but Wallick Senior Living communities are equipped to help personalize the adjustment process. That way, you can focus on yourself and how you spend your time. From art classes to cooking classes, Wallick offers residents the choice to participate in activities that fit their interests.

Reflect on Your Previous Environment

In moments of change, it’s beneficial to reflect on what usually makes you feel comfortable. Try to emulate that feeling in your new home. Reflecting on the best parts of your previous home can also make you feel more comfortable with that chapter’s ending and the beginning of a new one.

We hope that when you open the door to your new home, you feel a sense of peace and belonging. These tips are here to encourage you to make active choices to embrace the senior living lifestyle.

To learn more about adjusting to senior living and the moving process, click here.

Managing Stress with Summer Activity

Stressors in the Later Parts of Life

Entering the elderly stages of life comes with new varieties of change. Some may deal with the loss of loved ones, health conditions, loneliness and other changes. Change could also bring on feelings of stress because of its disruptions to routines and needs. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) discusses the dynamic between aging and the stress that this period of life can bring.

During this period of life, it becomes important to manage stressors in a healthy way. For everyone, this can look different. One factor that adds complexity to life stress and our ability to manage it, especially as we age, is seasonal weather changes.

Embracing Routines in Senior Living

The summer heat can make it harder to indulge in our favorite routines, from daily walks to spending time with loved ones. Our senior living communities are here to help you adjust to these changes and continue to enjoy every day. We understand the importance of maintaining routines and their direct impact on overall wellness.

If there are added limitations to residents’ activities due to weather, we are prepared to provide comfortable and enjoyable alternatives. Our activities directors are aware of how changes in the seasons may affect stress. We always plan a diverse calendar of indoor activities for residents, providing the same level of stress reduction and mental stimulation as their usual routines that might be affected by high temperatures.

Having different coping strategies is one way that you can stay on top of managing stress during this period in your life. Here are some ideas for finding new stress-reducing habits outside of community activities.

  • Visit with peers to share advice and new interests.
  • Take proper precautions when going outside, like staying hydrated, monitoring medication effects and spending time in the shade outside.
  • Try new television programs, books, and games to occupy your time.

When possible, our communities are prepared to help you stick to your routine. In a recent interview with Channel 2 (WDTN), Sara Ward, The Ashford of Beavercreek Executive Director, spotlighted the Wallick Senior Living team’s dedication to helping residents beat the summer heat while allowing them to enjoy their favorite activities.

“In a heat wave like this, we’re going to make sure that if a resident wants to sit outside or wants to go on a walk, that we’re checking on them more frequently. We are making sure that they have water for their walk,” she said.

Keeping an Open Mind

Moments of change can be difficult to manage when your self-care is at stake, but it is important to know that stress during this period in your life is still normal. It will be helpful to continue being gracious with yourself and to try new things.

One of the beautiful things about being a part of a senior living community is that some of the burden of managing change is taken off residents. Our associates are here to uplift our community members and encourage them to reduce stress in the areas where we can.

Learn more about the activities we have planned and reach out to us with any questions by contacting us here.

Discover the Perfect Senior Living Option at Meadow Valley

At Meadow Valley, we know that choosing the right retirement living arrangement is a significant decision and that understanding senior living can be overwhelming. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment tailored to meet the unique needs of our senior residents. Below is an overview of our offerings: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.

Independent Living: Our Independent Living apartments are designed for seniors who are self-sufficient and want to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle. Residents have access to a range of amenities, including housekeeping, dining options, social activities, and fitness programs, all within a secure and vibrant community.

Assisted Living: For those who need a bit of extra help with daily activities, our Assisted Living offering gives personalized support. Our professional staff is available 24/7 to assist with tasks such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and more, ensuring residents maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.

Memory Care: Our Memory Care program is specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. We provide a safe and structured environment with specialized care plans, therapeutic activities, and highly trained staff to support the unique needs of each resident, promoting their well-being and quality of life.

At Meadow Valley, we are committed to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where our residents can thrive. We invite you to visit our community, meet our team, and see firsthand the exceptional care and services we provide.

Please feel free to reach out to us here to schedule a tour or if you have any questions. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in finding the perfect living arrangement for your loved one.

Senior Living | Meadow Valley

Initiating a Thoughtful Conversation About Senior Living

As we transition into the Summer season, I wanted to reach out and share some insights that might be helpful if you’re considering senior living for yourself or a loved one.

This season of warmth and family time can also serve as a time of reflection, particularly regarding the health and well-being of our family members as they age. It’s not uncommon to notice changes or challenges that may indicate a need for extra assistance or a transition to a senior living community.

If you’ve recently spent time with a loved one and found yourself contemplating their future living arrangements, I understand that broaching this subject can feel delicate yet necessary. Here are some tips to help navigate this conversation with empathy, respect, and understanding:

  1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Find a quiet, comfortable setting where you can talk openly and without distractions, ensuring there’s enough time for a heartfelt discussion.
  2. Express Your Concerns with Love: Start by expressing your love and concern, using “I” statements to share observations and feelings, emphasizing your desire to ensure their safety and happiness.
  3. Focus on Specific Observations: Share specific instances or observations from your time together, avoiding accusations and instead offering genuine concerns based on what you’ve observed.
  4. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Recognize that this is a sensitive topic and allow your loved one to express their emotions without judgment, reassuring them that their feelings are valid and important.
  5. Present Senior Living Options Positively: Research senior living communities in advance and highlight the benefits they offer, focusing on the opportunities for social engagement, professional care, delicious meals and enhanced quality of life.
  6. Involve Them in the Decision-Making Process: Make your loved one an active participant in the decision-making process and tours; discussing options together and addressing any concerns they may have.

Initiating a conversation about senior living can be challenging, but it’s an important step toward ensuring the well-being and happiness of your loved one. By approaching the discussion with empathy and patience, and by involving them in the process, you can help ease the transition and create a plan that prioritizes their genuine wellbeing.

If you have any questions or would like further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you every step of the way!

Simplifying the Transition to Senior Living: Downsizing with Grace and Purpose

As you consider retirement communities, navigating the process of downsizing can feel overwhelming. Rest assured, you’re not alone on this journey. Our compassionate team here at Meadow Valley is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s explore how you can approach downsizing with grace and purpose, making the transition smoother and more meaningful.

Embracing the Journey

Moving to a senior living community like ours marks a new chapter in life, filled with opportunities for growth and connection. Embrace this transition as a chance for you or your loved one to simplify your surroundings and focus on what truly matters. Yes, the change may be uncomfortable but there is so much to look forward to.

Creating a Plan

Start by creating a personalized downsizing plan. Break the task into manageable steps and set aside dedicated time each day or week to sort through belongings. Start with one room and create Keep, Donate, and Get Rid Of piles. Remember to clearly label boxes. It may be best to begin with less emotionally charged areas and gradually move on to sentimental items.

Discerning What Matters Most

View downsizing as a process of discernment rather than deprivation. Consider what possessions, whether it’s a favorite cozy sweater or a treasured piece of wall art, bring comfort, utility, or a sense of connection. Choose items that serve both practical and sentimental purposes, keeping in mind the space constraints and lifestyle offered by your new home in a senior living setting. It’s like going to college or moving away from home – take what you need and what will serve you best in this new chapter.

Preserving Memories

As you declutter, take the time to reminisce and share stories with loved ones. Preserve the essence of significant moments even as you simplify your physical surroundings. Photographs, letters, and keepsakes can be cherished in memory books or digitized for easy access.

Seeking Support

Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family members, or professional organizers if needed. Surround yourself with positivity and encouragement, celebrating each small victory along the way. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress and peace of mind.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Approach downsizing with confidence and purpose, knowing that you’re paving the way for a brighter, more fulfilling future in a new environment. Embrace the opportunity to experience joy, living life on your terms and forming blossoming connections that await you in our senior living community.

If you have any questions or concerns as you navigate senior living options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team at Meadow Valley is here to listen, support, and guide you through this journey with empathy and understanding.

Learn more about our independent living, assisted living and memory care options by connecting with our team! Reach out to us here.

Navigating the Conversation: Discussing Senior Living After the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and spending precious moments with loved ones. However, it can also be a period when we notice changes in the health and well-being of our family members, especially as they age. If you’ve spent the holidays with a loved one and observed signs that they may need extra assistance or can no longer live independently at home, initiating a conversation about moving into a senior living community is a delicate but crucial step.

Here are some thoughtful tips on how to approach this conversation with empathy, respect, and understanding:

1. Choose the Right Time and Place: Begin the conversation in a quiet and comfortable environment where you can talk privately without distractions. Ensure there is enough time for an open and honest discussion, avoiding busy or stressful periods.

2. Express Your Concerns with Love: Start the conversation by expressing your love and concern for their well-being. Use “I” statements to share your observations and feelings, emphasizing that your intention is to ensure their safety and happiness.

Example: “I’ve noticed that things seem a bit challenging for you at home, and I’m genuinely concerned about your well-being. I want to make sure you have the support you need to be comfortable and happy.”

3. Focus on Specific Observations: Share specific instances or observations from the holiday season that raised your concern. Be gentle and avoid sounding accusatory. This helps your loved one understand that your suggestion is based on genuine observations rather than assumptions.

Example: “During the holidays, I noticed you struggled with [specific tasks]. It made me realize that you might benefit from additional support and assistance.”

4. Acknowledge Their Feelings: Recognize that this is a sensitive topic, and your loved one may have mixed emotions about the idea of moving into a senior living community. Allow them to express their feelings and validate their concerns without dismissing them.

Example: “I understand that this might be a difficult topic, and I want to hear how you feel about it. Your emotions are important, and I’m here to support you.”

5. Present Senior Living Options Positively: Research senior living communities in advance and highlight the positive aspects of genuine wellbeing. Emphasize the social opportunities, professional care that you might not be able to give or can’t do any more, potential improvements in your relationship with them after going from a care giver to loved one again, and safety measures these communities offer. Discuss how such a move can enhance their quality of life.

Example: “I’ve looked into some senior living communities, and they have fantastic amenities and activities that I think you would enjoy. It could be an opportunity to make new friends and receive the care you need.”

6. Involve Them in the Decision-Making Process: Make your loved one an active participant in the decision-making process. Discuss the available options together, consider their preferences, and address any concerns they may have.

Example: “I want us to explore these options together. Your input is crucial, and we can work together to find the best solution that ensures your comfort and happiness.”

Initiating a conversation about senior living communities can be challenging, but it’s an essential step toward ensuring the well-being of your loved one. Approach the discussion with empathy, patience, and a commitment to finding the best solution for their unique needs. By involving them in the decision-making process and focusing on the positive aspects of senior living, you can help ease the transition and create a plan that prioritizes their safety and happiness.

Food for Thought: Our Memory Care Program’s Approach to Dining

In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Month, Meadow Valley spotlights a core aspect of our forthcoming memory care program– the specially designed menu. With a dedicated focus on active senior living lifestyles, we acknowledge the pivotal role that food choices play in the lives of our future residents.

An essential aspect of daily life, food takes center stage, growing in significance as we age and becoming increasingly vital for our overall health. Studies have shown strong links between diet and its potential to support memory.

Mealtime at Meadow Valley will mean a delicious blend of nutritious food options and opportunities to bring our residents joy through family-style dining. Here, food supports a greater mission to deliver genuine care that enhances the quality of life for all seniors we serve.

Brain-Boosting Nutrients

The link between healthy eating and cognitive function is well-established in the memory care field. Research consistently highlights the impact of nutrients on reinforcing cognitive abilities and slowing decline.

One example is the MIND Diet, a brain-healthy diet developed by experts at Harvard University. The diet has been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The MIND Diet is based on the Mediterranean Diet and the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

Essential features of this diet include:

  • High intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein. This includes healthy fats, like olive oil.
  • Low intake of saturated fat and cholesterol & added limitations on red meat, sugar and refined carbs.

Another study by Harvard Health recommends five key foods that are linked to brainpower and healthy heart and blood vessels:

  • Green, leafy vegetables
  • Fatty fish
  • Berries
  • Tea & coffee
  • Walnuts

At Meadow Valley and the other communities served by Wallick Senior Living, our team emphasizes similar nutritionally dense superfoods for residents’ overall health and well-being.

Enhancing Accessibility

For memory care residents, ensuring meal accessibility is crucial. Each of our communities has its own Executive Chef. Meals are served three times daily in our community dining room, with wide-ranging options to suit individual tastes.

We also apply practical adjustments to our residents’ cuisine, like offering boneless chicken and bite-sized sandwiches, making food finger-friendly and easy to consume.

Alzheimer’s can change perceptions of color. For this reason, mealtimes feature red plates, backed by research findings on the impact of color on eating habits.

Likewise, staff carefully monitors residents’ eating habits, preferences and needs. We work to make enjoyable food that is nutritious and appealing.

Community & Wellbeing

We encourage our residents to savor every moment. This includes mealtimes, which we spotlight as daily highlights.

Aligned in many ways with the Alzheimer’s Association’s recommendations for dining, our evidence-based approach aims to provide the highest quality of life and independence possible. Family-style dining for every meal will foster a social environment where residents enjoy nourishing meals alongside meaningful interactions.

Additionally, the team will regularly host themed dining events promoting active senior living, such as weekly baking therapy and cooking classes. Activities like these allow residents to experience social engagement, practice fine motor skills and improve cognitive function while making brain-healthy treats.

Life and Dining at Meadow Valley

At Meadow Valley, mealtime is just one example of our commitment to translating wellness into all aspects of daily life. By crafting a dining experience that meets the needs and preferences of our residents, we aim to spark joy in every bite and make meals moments of shared community.

If you are looking for memory care that values a genuine home, personalized care and tasty food choices for your loved one, Meadow Valley might be a great fit. We invite you to stay tuned for our ongoing progress updates and fill out our contact form here.

Mental Health Recommendations from AARP

At Meadow Valley we prioritize genuine wellness. Genuine wellness isn’t solely tied to physical health. It entails social, emotional, and financial health, all of which are cornerstones for the services we offer our residents. Mental health is significantly interconnected with physical health, and being part of a supportive community can greatly relieve stress and combat isolation.

Most people would agree that improved well-being is a desirable goal. Fortunately, there are some ways you can promote well-being for yourself and your loved ones. For practical tips on how to enhance your mental health, check out this AARP article here.

Long-Term Care Planning Month

October is Long-Term Care Planning Month! Meadow Valley is proud to join the rest of the community in acknowledging this month as an opportunity to promote the importance of planning for the future.

The Importance of Planning

Whether it is for our loved ones or ourselves, the core focus of Long-Term Care Planning Month is to recognize the need to plan ahead in order to successfully navigate the future together. As we age, unforeseen medical challenges, expenses and care needs can emerge. Recognizing potential long-term care options and associated costs is crucial but can also be daunting.

In the United States, an estimated 8.3 million people require long-term care. Planning for long-term care often involves considering various options, including retirement communities. However, for many of us, senior living is a topic we rarely think about until it directly impacts our lives or those of our loved ones. Regardless of where you stand in the planning process, particularly if you are experiencing this with a loved one, understanding their needs, gaining financial insights and exploring available options are essential.

Exploring Your Options & Planning Ahead

Exploring your options or helping a loved one understand theirs can be a meaningful way to begin thinking about long-term care.

Advocacy for your loved ones goes hand in hand with early needs assessment and developing a customized long-term care plan that suits your family’s unique requirements.  If you are helping a loved one plan, advocating for them and grasping their needs can be a valuable way to prepare for potential changes in their circumstances. Communication is key. The best thing caregivers can do is to anticipate and support their aging loved ones through regular check-ins should their needs evolve.

A long-term care plan doesn’t come together overnight – it’s a process, and most times, it’s collaborative. Sometimes the solution is to provide the needed support to age in place. Other times, retirement communities are the most suitable choice.

Care Options

According to A Place for Mom, 7 out of 10 people will require senior assisted living at some point. Nationwide, retirement communities are becoming an increasingly sought-after option for those who need long-term care. Senior assisted living services offer personalized care, providing the necessary support and assistance for older adults.

Based on the level of need, independent living could be ideal if your loved one is seeking the benefits of a community and a maintenance-free lifestyle, but doesn’t need daily assistance.

Meadow Valley takes a unique approach by providing comprehensive wellness encompassing physical, social, emotional, and financial aspects to support your loved one and assist your family in the long-term care planning process. We offer individualized care across assisted living, independent living, and memory care, allowing our residents to remain in a supportive community should their needs evolve.

To learn more about our community structure and how we can support long-term care plans, feel free to reach out to us here.

 

Balancing Care & Dignity for Your Loved One

Caregivers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their loved ones, especially those in need of assisted care. However, they also must balance this priority with the need to respect their loved ones’ dignity and independence.

This isn’t always easy, but there are some things that caregivers can do to strike the right balance. Together, you can navigate a new normal that ensures the best of both worlds.

If you’re looking for further insights on this topic, check out this AARP article, which delves deeper into finding the right balance between care and dignity. Their suggestions include:

  • Open conversations about change
  • Addressing safety concerns
  • Maintaining independence in all aspects of life where it’s possible

The “ideal” caregiving relationship isn’t the same for every family. However, many seniors and their families may find it easier to achieve a fulfilling balance by looking into a senior living community like Meadow Valley.

Meadow Valley offers a full continuum of care, including maintenance-free independent living for seniors, where cleaning, housework, and meal preparations can be community-managed. Our assisted care provides support from a dedicated nursing team, allowing caregivers to focus on being present and fully enjoy the time spent with their loved ones.

No matter the situation, it’s important to prioritize your loved one’s safety, dignity and wellness, as well as your own. By doing so, you can create an encouraging environment that allows them to live their best life.

For more information about programs that provide assisted care or independent living for seniors, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here.