Sierra Ramos

Why You Should Have a Newsletter for Your Senior Living Community

newsletter

Newsletters are informational pamphlets that inform seniors and their families about the updates and other great things going on in your community. These brochures can be emailed, printed or web based. We not only want to keep our residents happy, in the senior living industry, but the family members of our residents as well. In many cases, families of seniors like to know what is going on in their loved ones particular community, so a good way to keep both seniors and their loved ones informed is by distributing a monthly community newsletter. Below are a few tips on what you can incorporate in your newsletter.

  • Tell Us a Compelling Story About Someone in Your Newsletter

Whether it is a staff member, current resident or former resident, tell us a great story about them. The story could be about an interesting hobby, how a resident or staff member made a difference in their lifetime or even an amusing event that happened in their life. All you have to do is ask because you may be surprised to find the amazing stories that people have in your community.

  • Highlight the Excellent Staff Within Your Community in Your Newsletter

Not only is this a great way to thank the amazing members of your staff, but it can also serve as a good way for family members of residents to see and get to know the people that are taking care of their loved ones. You can write a short section on the staff member of the month that highlights his/her favorite part of being a caregiver. You may want to also include how long they’ve been working for the community and what inspired them to become a caregiver in the first place.

  • It’s All About the Visuals For a Newsletter

Try to incorporate warm and inviting colors into your newsletter. Have your community logo displayed on the front of the newsletter and on the corresponding pages. If your newsletter is being dispersed digitally, you can add links to videos that show footage of your community and its events. Lastly don’t forget the pictures and graphics. An all text newsletter can be quite boring to read. By adding graphics, charts, and pictures, you can help keep the content lively.

  • Focus on What Your Community is Doing This Month in Your Newsletter

Tell us about any events or fundraisers that your community is hosting. You can provide information about the date, time, place and purpose of the events. This is a good way to get people to come to your events, while informing others of what operations your community is a part of. After the occasion has passed, you may want to write an article about how it went and include pictures.

Overall, a monthly newsletter can be a great component to your senior living community. These newsletters not only inform residents and their family, but can serve as an entertaining read as well.

Senior Caregiving: A Change on Your Homefront

Homeimprovement

Moving out of your own home can be traumatic. Your memories are there and your independence may be as well. So when the time comes that you can no longer live alone, it can be frightening and sad. No wonder so many seniors fight moving to a more secure living situation. In addition, because Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term-care, many seniors can’t afford to move to a nursing home or senior living complex. Adult children may be able to help when they plan to move the parent into their own homes.

  • Planning is What it Takes

If your home is not large enough for your parent to have sufficient space, you might consider adding some more room. One man who did this called the addition his “mother-in-law suite.” It had a separate entrance, its own bath and bedroom as well as a small “sitting room” to accommodate guest visits and give Mom some private space.

  • Mom’s Needs Will Change Over Time

If adding rooms is in your plan, keep in mind that Mom’s needs will change over time. That means planning for wheelchair accessible doors and brighter lighting. An occupational therapist can help you anticipate what adaptations your new space should have to make Mom’s transition easier. Even if you are only giving up a spare bedroom to Mom or Dad, you will have to make some alterations to accommodate their needs.

  • Expenses 

Another thing to keep in mind is the expense involved with building an addition. The average cost of adding a “master suite” is $111,245. In addition, you should factor in the lost income you might incur from taking “caregiver days.” Your parent may contribute to the family income through Medicare or through investment income, but your budget will probably still have to stretch to include added utilities and other expenses.

  • Your Family’s Lifestyle Will Change
Having your parent live with you will certainly change your family’s lifestyle. You should take the needs of every family member into account before making the decision. You may lose some privacy and give up some of your “free time,” but the experience of having a grandmother or grandfather close at hand is invaluable to kids. The peace of mind you have knowing that your loved one is being cared for by people who genuinely care is worth a lot as well.

Senior Caregiving: A Change on Your Homefront

Homeimprovement

Moving out of your own home can be traumatic. Your memories are there and your independence may be as well. So when the time comes that you can no longer live alone, it can be frightening and sad. No wonder so many seniors fight moving to a more secure living situation. In addition, because Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term-care, many seniors can’t afford to move to a nursing home or senior living complex. Adult children may be able to help when they plan to move the parent into their own homes.

  • Planning is What it Takes

If your home is not large enough for your parent to have sufficient space, you might consider adding some more room. One man who did this called the addition his “mother-in-law suite.” It had a separate entrance, its own bath and bedroom as well as a small “sitting room” to accommodate guest visits and give Mom some private space.

  • Mom’s Needs Will Change Over Time

If adding rooms is in your plan, keep in mind that Mom’s needs will change over time. That means planning for wheelchair accessible doors and brighter lighting. An occupational therapist can help you anticipate what adaptations your new space should have to make Mom’s transition easier. Even if you are only giving up a spare bedroom to Mom or Dad, you will have to make some alterations to accommodate their needs.

  • Expenses 

Another thing to keep in mind is the expense involved with building an addition. The average cost of adding a “master suite” is $111,245. In addition, you should factor in the lost income you might incur from taking “caregiver days.” Your parent may contribute to the family income through Medicare or through investment income, but your budget will probably still have to stretch to include added utilities and other expenses.

  • Your Family’s Lifestyle Will Change
Having your parent live with you will certainly change your family’s lifestyle. You should take the needs of every family member into account before making the decision. You may lose some privacy and give up some of your “free time,” but the experience of having a grandmother or grandfather close at hand is invaluable to kids. The peace of mind you have knowing that your loved one is being cared for by people who genuinely care is worth a lot as well.

My Visit at the Highland Springs Community as an Intern

Communities

During my short time interning with New LifeStyles, I have learned so much about the senior living & care industry, such as the different types of communities and the services they offer. From independent and assisted living, respite care, memory care, home care and hospice care, they differ greatly. So far, my favorite experience has been visiting the Highland Springs Community because I have never been in such a large and elegant senior community before, so I definitely learned a lot.

When I first walked into Highland Springs in Dallas, Texas, I was warmly greeted by some of the friendly staff who later introduced me to Jennifer O’Reilly, the director of sales. She gave me a detailed tour of the big community, showing me their in-house bank, clinic, dining services, pool, gym and so much more. I was so impressed with the place that I wanted to move in myself.

What stood out to me the most at Highland Springs was all of the activities that they offer and host. There are more than 600 groups and activities for their residents. Personally, the water aerobics looked like a lot fun, as well as the drawing/painting room. From walking around & greeting numerous residents, I could tell that they were truly happy and living their lives to the fullest capabilities.

What I can tell others that don’t know about this industry that may help them if they are looking for a senior community is that you must take all factors into consideration before making any big decisions, and there are all types of communities out there. New LifeStyles can help you find quality information on local options. Then you must evaluate personal finances & the level & quality care for you or your loved one. Then you can make a decision. 

Why Don’t More Families Take Advantage of Respite Care?

care

Baby boomers are aging and it won’t be long before a whole new generation of families are taking care of their elderly relatives. Some seniors will end up in long-term care facilities, but many families will choose to care for their loved ones at home.

As a caregiver, taking care of your loved one can mean putting in countless hours of unpaid work, which often results in feeling fatigued. Although the caregiver may need a break, many still do not take advantage of respite care. Respite care, part-time care, including adult day care, can significantly ease the stress of caregivers, especially in the summer vacation months, by helping caregivers receive the break they need while continuing to provide the quality care their loved ones deserve.

So, what is keeping families from participating in programs designed to help them love and care for aging adults? The answer is: lack of awareness, misplaced guilt or hesitation about expenses. Below are a few reasons debunking these common fears, explaining why you should pursue respite care for your loved one.

• Lack of Awareness

Unfortunately, many caregivers who need help don’t know that help is available to them because they don’t know that these types of programs exist, but this is no longer the case. Caregivers are so focused on making everything work that they don’t always take the time to seek out new options. Because of this, families may become stressed if they do not give themselves an opportunity to relax. Families can take advantage of a quality respite care program because not only will their loved one be cared for, but families will be able to take the time they need to tend to their own responsibilities and enjoyment.

• Misplaced Guilt

Being a family member and caregiver can be a very challenging job, so sometimes it is best to leave it to the professionals, where they can give quality care and attention to your loved one. Caregivers are notorious for putting everyone’s needs before their own, but occasionally a caregiver will feel guilty about taking a break or spending some time to refill their own energy reserves.  Addressing guilt head-on will help to convince caregivers that taking the time they need to de-stress and unwind, which will help them give more compassionate care in the long-run.

• Expenses

Caring for an aging relative may put a strain on an already tight budget. Many families won’t look into assistive programs because they think that they can’t afford the help. However, there are many programs designed to help ease that financial burden for families, including insurance reimbursement, Medicare benefits and even grants. Many adult day cares offer affordable options for working families. 

Respite care can help out a great deal of families by giving them a break and taking care of their loved one during the day, night or over a vacation. It is even a good first step towards finding a community for the future, if that is in your plans.