A common question we receive is about the difference between independent living and assisted living. Four tenants of AL are freedom of choice, independence, dignity, and quality of life. Assisted living communities like Bel Aire, support those who need assistance with activities of daily living, while allowing residents to live as independently as possible. Here are some other ways independent…
Medication When addressing the issue of anxiety in older adults, it is important to consider proper nutrition, hydration, and regular activity as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Minor adjustments with small, measurable goals can make a large impact on the quality of life. It is time to consider medication when anxiety interferes with activities of daily living and general…
What Causes Anxiety in the Elderly? Loss of a Spouse Companionship is an essential part of a fulfilling life. When a spouse dies, the loved one left behind loses more than a life partner. Family roles become redefined, daily routines are interrupted by the absence of a primary member. While life continues at the same hectic pace, a grieving spouse…
Social interaction is very important for our mental health. It can help prevent depression, which is widespread among seniors. In fact, some studies show that up to “20 percent of the population over 70 years of age suffer from depression. There are many causes, but it’s often made worse by the fact that people who were once active now spend…
The kitchen is the heart of the home, this is no different in a senior living community. Good food brings people together, and in senior living communities the dining room is one of the few places where everyone gathers. Staff and residents sit down together to eat, mingle, and enjoy each other’s company. Extensive menus claiming variety are always a…
As our dependence on technology increases, so does the number of scam calls we receive. Every other call seems to be from a shady ‘insurance company’ or ‘credit card company asking for our social security, credit card info, or bank account numbers. Unfortunately for seniors, many of these scams are targeted at the elderly; often taking advantage of their compassion…
Over the course of our ever changing lives, we move approximately 3 to 5 times due to the circumstances that arise. These moves are based on our need to accommodate things at specific times in our life. So what pushes us to make this move? We may be starting a family, relocating for work, or settling down to retire. For…
When a resident moves into an assisted living community, it can be scary and uncertain how their social life may change or develop. We are nervous that this new environment may intimidate our parents and possibly make them feel lonely or isolated. You would be happy to know that these communities provide many social activities to keep residents connected and…
A Certified Nursing Assistant works alongside every aspect of an assisted living community. They are the backbone in everything that happens 24 hours a day when it comes to the residents that rely on their service. You may have a general idea of their job description but we want to enlighten you as to what goes on at Bel Aire…
It can be difficult to communicate to your parents about assisted living and how it will benefit their quality of life. This conversation varies between families, for some, it can be an easy and accepting transition, but for others, it can be emotional and even scary. You may not know where to start or how to keep the idea positive.…
You may begin to wonder what causes minor or significant memory loss as you reach a specific age. We notice cognitive limitations in older family members or friends and hope that we don’t have the same outcome as we get older. As for preventing memory loss, there are many things you can change in your daily life to decrease your…
We make the assumption that our own family members can take better care of us than those at an assisted living community. What happens when family members reach their burn out point or where their own health prohibits them providing this needed care? Family Caregiver Alliance presents evidence that, “one-third of caregivers continue to provide intense care to others while…
Each assisted living community expects to leave a great first impression on every family that comes to tour their building. So how do you leave such an important impression that helps a family make a big decision on where to move their loved ones? Answer: It’s how well you connect and address the main reasons why they are looking for…
What makes the food service industry a big part of senior living? Well we take a look at our bodies, what we crave, but also what our bodies need to thrive and stay strong. Food service in senior living must be more specific than other non-health care industries in order to meet these needs. Before entering assisted living, many adults over…
What sets a memory care community apart from another is their program and design, along with a flow of new ideas to do better. An article that was written by Susan Saldibar mentions the operations within Abe’s Garden Memory Care located in Nashville, Tennessee. They have reached a successful point in residency due to 6 pillars they have developed and…