Sweltering summer heat can be dangerous and even deadly, especially for older adults. That’s why senior care experts stress the importance of knowing the symptoms of overheating and acting promptly to get medical care. The post Senior Care Tips for Summer Heat Safety appeared first on Ecumenical Retirement Community ..read more

Finding affordable senior housing for rent isn’t easy. An affordable housing crisis, combined with a growing number of older adults struggling with mortgage debt on a fixed income, has led to millions of seniors overburdened by the cost of housing. For many seniors, the issue is exacerbated by declining health issues that will likely require additional services and care in the future, if not already. Healthy and active seniors seeking affordable housing options for independent living have a few options, including: Reverse mortgage A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is a known as a reverse mortg ..read more

“Loneliness shortens lifespans in a way similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” according to US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in a 2017 article for the Harvard Business Review. Older adults are especially at risk of social isolation and loneliness from factors such as retirement, death of a loved one, separation from family and declining health, mobility and mental health. Retirement home activities are designed to help residents foster connections and decrease feelings of loneliness. Loneliness and social isolation While social isolation and loneliness are often used interchangeably, there ar ..read more

As the Baby Boomer population ages, many are wondering about options for retirement living. Retirement community living offers options for seniors at all levels of care, from independent living to personal care and assisted living to dementia support. So, what are the advantages of community living and how does the cost of independent living for seniors compare to aging at home? Benefits of independent living Independent living provides the freedom to have an active lifestyle without the burdens of homeownership. Rental communities, such as Ecumenical Retirement Community, offer comfortable ap ..read more

Lola sleeping in her handmade campus home by a fellow co-worker. My name is Lola Bunny, named after the Looney Toons character. I am a Flemish Giant Hare. I am three years old and weigh about 20 lbs. I am larger than the pet rabbits people are used to seeing. When I first arrived to campus, my standard rabbit cage was a bit too small so one of my co-workers on the maintenance team built me my own custom rabbit cage. It’s big enough for me to have my little house and blanket and hop around in. I love it! I don’t know my exact birthday so we celebrate every year on Easter since that’s when I s ..read more

It seems everything is so expensive these days – food, gas, housing, utilities and even entertainment. For seniors, it is more important than ever to know how to stretch a dollar. Here are some tips for low-cost senior independent living. Food According to a recent poll, people feel that during periods of inflation, they are most impacted by higher food prices. With supermarket prices 25% higher than in January 2020, seniors especially are feeling the pinch. One of the easiest ways to save money on food is to simply plan ahead. This will reduce expensive impulse buys and give you time to shop ..read more

“I need to get my stepdad placed ASAP. He has dementia and cannot stay at home any longer. He is 85 and mom is 84. It is deteriorating her health by caring for him.” We hear pleas like this every day, adult children urgently looking for an Alzheimer’s care facility for their aging parent. That’s why it is so important to start planning early, without the emotional stress and immediate need for dementia care. What financial and legal documents should you have in place when considering an Alzheimer’s care facility for a loved one? Preparing for long-term memory care requires many financial and l ..read more

When it comes to residents of Pennsylvania assisted living facilities and personal care communities, safety is of the utmost importance. That’s why state licensing provides the basis for protecting the health, safety and well-being of residents. The best assisted living communities and personal care homes build on this foundation with comprehensive measures that cover facility, fire and disaster safety as well as resident health and well-being. Here are a few of the safety features found in Pennsylvania assisted living residences and personal care communities: Facility safety Keeping residents ..read more

Aw, puppies! Did you know that pets can help with healthy aging? And you don’t have to own a pet to reap the benefits. For seniors in a retirement facility, visiting therapy pets spread cheer, too. Here are a few commonly asked questions about pets in a retirement facility: How do pets in a retirement facility help older adults’ mental health? According to American Humane, research has shown that pet ownership can provide important forms of social and emotional support for older adults that can reduce distress, loneliness and improve overall quality of life.” Benefits may include decreasing le ..read more

The Old Farmer’s Almanac says, “Get ready for a Winter Wonderland!” The 2023-24 winter weather forecast predicts a cold, snowy winter for Pennsylvania. With winter approaching, it is only natural for us to worry about our aging loved one, especially if they live alone at home. The season offers more challenges than summer, fall or spring. At holiday gatherings, aging is often more apparent as we compare our parents to the younger versions of themselves of our holiday memories. It can be quite unsettling. Elderly care facilities can offer peace of mind for families and aging loved ones alike. E ..read more