The Arbor Company Senior Living Blog

As you get older, you may find yourself struggling to find answers to questions about your health, finances, or social opportunities. Fortunately, there are organizations that help senior citizens in nearly every town, county, and state. These organizations are designed to provide support and resources that keep older adults active, healthy, and happy.

Two executives participated in a task force to create strategies and tactics to maintain safety and reinvigorate lifestyles for older adults living in age-restricted communities and apartments.

Residents of three senior living communities operated by The Arbor Company starred in music videos created as part of a six-week challenge for members of the Engagement staff.

The videos feature residents at the independent living building at Arbor Terrace at Hamilton Mill:

When making the move from living in a single-family home to a senior living environment, some worry about the adjustment needed to live among other people. 

Connecting with others is important at all ages. However, research has shown us that socialization with peers is even more important as we age. Feelings of perceived loneliness have been linked to rapid cognitive decline, numerous health problems, and even premature death. Fortunately, older adults don’t have to host huge parties in order to reap the benefits of socialization. Instead, cultivating relationships with small groups of family members or peers can boost overall emotional and physical health.

Sunday is Grandparents Day, and celebrating the bond between generations is a little more challenging during a pandemic. Grandkids may not be able to spend the day with their grandparents as they have in previous years, but there are still ways to make the day special. 

One positive outcome from sheltering in place is that the extra time together caused many families to strengthen their bond as a unit. For residents living in senior living communities, that togetherness includes other residents and staff. With many families unable to visit safely as often as before, staff found creative ways to celebrate milestones, and keep residents connected to special moments with their families. In this episode of Senior Living LIVE, host Melissa Lee talks with Mallorie Richardson about purposeful living over the last six months in senior living. Watch the recording for more about how staff stepped up to create deep connections and meaningful moments for residents in Arbor communities.

When your loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, your entire family has much to process. In addition to weathering the emotions that naturally follow this diagnosis, families must convene with the diagnosed older adult in order to make plans for their current and future needs.

Many adult children talk about putting a parent in assisted living with a sense of dread and guilt. They worry about Mom or Dad feeling lonely, scared, or betrayed. They wonder if they have abandoned their obligation to love and care for their parents unconditionally. The very notion of “putting” someone somewhere is at the core of this problem. Here’s why this mindset is so harmful, and why you need to change your thinking.