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We’re all familiar with 5-star restaurants and 5-star hotels. Having the stars makes it easy to rank various services and quickly decide which one is better. That’s part of the reason the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) came up with a star-quality rating system in 2008 to help rate skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. This system allows seniors and their families to easily know where communities rank in comparison to each other and select the right one for their loved one. But what does a CMS 5-Star rating […]

First, a few sobering statistics. The World Health Organization says around 50 million people worldwide have dementia — a number that’s projected to reach 82 million in 2030 and 152 million by 2050. And though promising treatments are being investigated today, we can only hope for a cure in the coming decades. Right now, preventing memory loss and preserving brain health and brain function are the best course of action for older adults. Is there such a thing as a memory-boosting lifestyle? Does exercise and being physically active improve memory […]

Depending on the community you choose, there may be a broader range of residence options available than you think. As you endeavor to distill a lifetime of possessions into the smaller footprint of a senior living floor plan, keep two things in mind. It can be done. And if done well, you may feel happier and freer than ever before. Here’s how to get started in the right direction. 1. How much space will you need? Most independent living communities offer multiple floor plan options designed for your lifestyle and […]

When the time comes that a parent can no longer continue to live safely at home, emotions may be running high. Medical conditions, growing fragility, loneliness, or an inability to care for oneself will force families to rethink the best living arrangement for their senior loved one. These can be intensely personal decisions. And though after the fact, transitioning to assisted living is usually considered a positive change, there can be many uncomfortable moments on the road to that outcome. For the older individual, this is a major life event, […]

For the sake of discussion, let’s imagine a retired couple. They are active and in good health. They can safely manage their personal care needs now, but they know a community offering on-site care will position them well for the future. They’d like to maintain their active lifestyle and even expand their social horizons. They’re looking for independent living within a continuing care retirement community. How should they go about choosing an independent living community? What questions should they ask? What is independent living? That’s a good question to start […]

Congratulations! You’ve decided you’re ready to rightsize from your much-too-large home into a comfortable, active senior living community. No more yardwork, home upkeep, cooking, cleaning or maintenance for you. Now all you have to do is find some helpful downsizing tips for seniors – then start downsizing, packing and moving. Sounds fun, right? Right? Ok, maybe “fun” isn’t the right word. The downsizing process, not to mention packing and moving itself, can be time-consuming and laborious, especially for an older adult. Friends and family members may offer to help with decluttering […]

About 83% of the largest not-for-profit senior living communities have some type of faith-based affiliation. Why is faith-based senior living so prevalent – and how does it benefit residents, even if they don’t ascribe to a particular belief system? Spiritual Wellness The National Wellness Institute defines spiritual wellness as “the search for meaning and purpose in human existence.” Simply put, it’s about being connected to something greater than yourself and having a set of values that guide your actions. It can mean participating in a specific religious practice, but it […]

Question: Family and raising your children have been important parts of your life. Do you have any stories from when they were younger? Answer: I have four children, seven grandchildren, and I’ve been married for 63 years, so I’d say family has been the center of my life. Frank, my husband, traveled a lot for work, so when our kids were younger and in school, that’s where a lot of my time and energy was focused. One of the more interesting stories I remember from that time was when our […]

There are a lot of senior living options in the St. Louis area – and they’re not all the same. If you’re starting to consider senior living for yourself or a loved one, here’s what you need to know about the different types of communities and what they offer. Active Adult Communities Typically restricted to people who are 55+, these senior living options offer residential living, usually in single-family homes, townhomes or condominiums, either for sale or for rent. Meals, outdoor maintenance, and other services might be included in the […]