The holiday season is often anticipated as a time of joy and gathering. For families navigating a loved one’s journey through hospice care, it can be a complex mix of emotions. Here are tips for navigating grief during the holiday season. Tips for Providing Presence and Comfort for a Loved One in Hospice  When gathered around a loved one in hospice, simply being there speaks volumes, particularly when the outside world is bustling with holiday preparations. Here is helpful advice from our hospice team to guide time together during the […]

When a loved one is focused on recovery from a surgery or illness, it can be challenging to maintain the festive spirit. But you can help bring the comforts and joy of the holidays right to where your loved one is receiving care.  Here are four festive ways to encourage your loved one’s healing and joy during this holiday season.  Bringing the Holiday Cheer During Recovery or Rehab    Deck the Halls: Decorate the Short-Term Term Stay Room Focus on small, meaningful decorations that can be displayed safely in their […]

‘Tis the season for making festive plans! The holiday season in St. Louis is a wonderful time, full of vibrant lights, festive music, and opportunities for connection and joy!  We made a list (and checked it twice) of all our favorite holiday traditions, shows, and shopping events happening in St. Louis this season.  2025 Christmas Performances & Festive Outings  The holiday season brings an exciting line-up of festive concerts, ballets, and shows to St. Louis, making it easy to schedule a fun outing with family and friends. The St. Louis […]

The senior living industry in St. Louis (and nationwide!) is growing! For a professional, this means stability, a high demand for talent, and a career path rich with opportunities for advancement.  Seeking to move up, specialize, or make a career pivot in the St. Louis senior living market? Here are three core strategies that will propel professional growth. 1. Pursue Further Education and Training Opportunities for Senior Living Careers Specialized knowledge drives career advancement in senior living.   Further Education: At Friendship Village, our employees receive tuition reimbursement to help them […]

When it comes to the future, it’s natural to want the best for the people we love. For families navigating senior care options, having open conversations about future needs is key for continued joyful living and peace of mind.  These talks don’t have to be overwhelming. Instead, they can be viewed as an opportunity to reinforce support and promote an independent lifestyle. Here are five gentle questions to start these conversations with a loved one. 1. What does your ideal day look like right now, and what’s getting in the […]

Retirement should be about enjoying life to the fullest. Sometimes, a little support is the key to doing just that. Private duty home care offers non-medical assistance including light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, companionship, and more within the comfort of home. What are the key elements to look for in a reputable private duty provider? We’ve compiled an essential checklist to guide the search.  Checklist for Choosing a Trustworthy Private Duty Provider in St. Louis Verify Credentials, Safety, and Compliance of the Private Duty Provider Trust starts with a fully […]

This year marks 50 years of Friendship Village and we’re celebrating 50 years of redefining what senior living looks like. While for many the phrase “senior moments” is typically used to describe moments of frustration or forgetfulness, here at Friendship Village our “senior moments” are moments of joy, adventure, and connection. For our birthday celebration, we’ve been inviting residents to enjoy extra special senior moments of long-held hopes and newfound dreams. Our community has responded tremendously, sharing amazing ideas. Two of those seniors are Ken and George, seniors with a […]

The senior living industry is a vibrant, growing field full of opportunities for people who want a career with purpose. At Friendship Village, we often hear excellent questions from job seekers and people considering a career change. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about working in senior living. 1. What types of jobs are available in a senior living community? A retirement community requires a wide range of professionals outside of just clinical care. Healthcare & Direct Care: Roles include Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed […]

Hospice is designed to provide comfort, dignity, and specialized pain management for individuals. Choosing the right setting for this care can further support this purpose. Families can choose for care to be delivered in the comfort of home or in a dedicated residential community. Navigating this decision requires a thoughtful evaluation of the individual’s medical needs, personal preferences, and the support structure available to the family. Understanding the Core Purpose of Hospice Care Hospice is an approach to care that emphasizes quality of life over curative treatment. The hospice team, […]