Month: July 2022

Categories
Caregiving

4 ways to help your parent adjust to assisted living

Senior man enjoying dinner at a senior living community.

A move to senior living often comes with an adjustment period – both for the older adult making the move, and their family. This transition can be especially hard for caregivers. If you’ve dedicated yourself to supporting your parent, researched the different types of senior living, found the right community and helped plan the move, you may still not be prepared for the emotions you and your parent experience after making the change.

“I’ve been on both sides of the coin,” says Lisa Ward, a Community Sales Director who started her career in the Atria community where her mother now resides. “My mother did not willingly move into a senior living community. Getting her to make the transition was difficult. My sister and I experienced a lot of guilt.”

Hear more from Ward and discover tips on how to help your parent if they are having difficulty adjusting to assisted living in this video.

4 ways to help your parent adjust after moving to an assisted living community

 

  1. Don’t yield too quickly
  2. Resist being a helicopter
  3. Make their home feel like home
  4. Expect good days and bad days

Our Guide to Help Your Parent Adjust to Assisted Living

Don’t yield too quickly

How long does it take to adjust to assisted living? The truth is, it varies. It may take as little as a week to feel comfortable. Many experts suggest it can take as long as three to six months – which could feel much longer if your parent is struggling to adjust to assisted living. This is normal.

If your parent is immediately ready to turn around and go home, encourage them to give it some time.

“Everybody has a different time frame,” Ward says. “Circle back to their pain point. What is it that they don’t like, other than it’s not home?”

You can also engage with the community’s staff to learn about appealing events. Encourage your parent to take a fitness class, go on an outing or find a group with similar interests.

“My mom loves gardening,” says Ward. “We connected her with some other master gardeners and the gardening club in the community. Once she put her hands in the dirt, she found her comfort zone.”

Resist being a helicopter

While frequent visits early on may seem like you’re being supportive, you could be holding your parent back. They may opt out of events and opportunities to interact with their new neighbors in anticipation of your visit.

Conversely, never visiting or calling may make your parent feel abandoned and confirm any apprehensions they may have had about the move in the first place.

“I think being there every day gives the signal that you think something is wrong, and you’re waiting for them to want to go back home. At the same time, you can’t just drop them off and drive away and go. Somewhere in between is ideal,” Ward advises.

Instead of frequent in-person visits, consider weekly phone calls and an occasional visit for lunch or dinner during the first 30 days. Make sure to check in with the community director as well to address any issues or strategies for adjustment.

After the first month, reach out to close family members and ask them to visit and call as well. Your parent may not be completely adjusted yet, but they may have positive things to talk about, like a new friendship or an event they really enjoyed.

By the second or third month, the community will feel familiar, and your parent may feel more comfortable. This is a great time to encourage visits and phone calls from extended relatives and friends. It may be a pleasant surprise for your parent. Encourage others to ask for a tour of your parent’s apartment and the community, or to stay for coffee or attend one of the daily events.

Make their home feel like home

One of the best ways to make their new home feel familiar is to decorate it with cherished items that represent your parent and what they care about. Their favorite piece of furniture or work of art, a special heirloom, family pictures and homemade crafts from grandchildren can all add warmth and personality to a senior apartment.

To put the finishing touches on their new space, take your parent shopping. While they may be reluctant to leave a long-time home, there may have been things they’d always wanted to update. A move offers an opportunity to replace items with something fresh – that still reflects their style.

You don’t have to stop at décor; consider other ways to make the community feel like home. If your parent has a beloved pet, look into the community’s pet policy to see if they can make the move as well. If your parent’s cat or dog has been left in your care, bring them with you from time to time when you visit. If there is a particular comfort food your parent loves, consider talking to the community’s chef about adding that item to the menu as one of their daily specials.

Expect good days and bad days

Every day will not be easy, nor will every day be a struggle – and that’s normal. Likely, you will both need time to process the change. It’s better for your parent to have an occasional bad day where they are safe, cared for and in great company rather than being home where their well-being may be at risk.

“Do you benefit from having a dedicated staff who can cook and clean for your parent, where you know that they’re safe and you can leave town and have peace of mind? Absolutely,” Ward says. “But it’s all about your parent. It’s about making sure they understand you’re doing this for them and not to them. The move is to ensure they’re healthy, happy, independent and thriving.”

If you are having trouble managing a conflict with your parent, as well as experiencing feelings of guilt and frustration, consider leaning on a friend, spouse or counselor for support. And rest assured that those challenging days won’t last forever. As time goes on, many witness their parent becoming happier and healthier at a senior living community – and the transition may help restore the parent-child relationship you once knew.

“When my mom moved in, she wouldn’t talk to us the first two weeks.” Ward says. “She wouldn’t even answer our phone calls. By the third week, she started participating and making friends. After about six weeks, we said, ‘Well, Mom, if you hate it here so much, why don’t you move back with us? We will just reverse everything.’ And she said, ‘Why would I do that? All my friends are here!’”

We’re here to help

Adjusting to assisted living takes time, and you can always reach out to us. Atria’s helpful and knowledgeable staff members are eager to help your parent feel at home in their community.

Download this useful guide to help ease the transition into assisted living for both you and your parent.

Categories
Making the Decision

Tips for helping your parent transition to senior living

A beautiful mixed race young adult woman embraces her vibrant retirement age mother
A beautiful mixed race young adult woman embraces her vibrant retirement age mother. The mother and daughter are enjoying a relaxing walk in nature on a beautiful, sunny day. In the background is a mountainous evergreen forest bathed in sunlight.

The moment has arrived – your parent made the decision to sell their home and move to a senior living community. Both of you may feel excited and relieved, but you may also feel anxiety and guilt, and your parent may feel sad, skeptical and even angry. Here are some tips to help make your parent’s transition to community living as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Our Checklist to Transitioning to Senior Living (PDF)

Prepare for the move to a senior living community

The myriad details involved in moving your parent to assisted living can seem overwhelming. Breaking things down into smaller, more manageable steps will reduce stress and simplify the process. Keep in mind, the senior living community is there to assist you every step of the way – their expertise and resources could save you significant time, money and headaches.

Write it all down – Don’t rely on scattered notes, emails and memory alone to manage important details. Get a notebook dedicated to your parent’s move and fill it with to-do lists, schedules, contact information, community apartment floor plans and anything else that will assist with the moving process.

Secure important documents – Make it easy for your parent to access important information they may need once they’ve moved into their new home by compiling it all in one safe place. Consider a fireproof box or small safe to store important documents like wills, medical records, their passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, etc.

Discuss the home sale with your parent – Before contacting a real estate professional, you may need to address the strong emotions associated with selling a family home. This guide and this blog can help with that discussion.

Consider the benefits of a real estate professional – While it may be tempting to sell the home yourself, an experienced professional can get you more exposure, sell the home faster and negotiate a better price – saving you the time and stress associated with listing and showing the house. They can also suggest smaller cosmetic renovations that could improve resale value with little investment. Ask the senior living community for real estate professional referrals.

Make downsizing uplifting – Your parent’s home is likely filled with cherished items acquired over decades. Allow ample time for them to sort through it all. Be patient and sensitive to your parent’s feelings, and keep these tips in mind:

  • Get their new floor plan. This will help determine which furnishings will fit into your parent’s new home.
  • Do a little every day. Sorting through mementoes can spark fond memories that evoke strong emotions. Allow time to determine what to keep, pass down to family or donate to charity – but encourage your parent to make this a daily activity so it doesn’t become overwhelming as the move-in date approaches.
  • Purge paperwork. Throw out any old documents, files, newspapers and magazines that are no longer needed.
  • Keep it festive. Make it a party. Put on some music, break out the wine and cheese, and invite other family members to help your parent sort through their belongings.

Take the pain out of packing – Seek estimates from at least two local moving companies and ask the senior living community for referrals. Allow ample time for packing – it typically takes much longer than most people think. Here are some more handy tips:

  • Schedule family pickups. Give family members a firm schedule to collect anything your parent is handing down. Make sure any donated items are on track to be picked up or delivered to the appropriate charities – most will provide free pick-up service.
  • Make a list. To make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle, make an itemized list of everything that’s going to your parent’s new home. Be sure to note any fragile items or electronics that may require special packing.
  • Manage medications. Before moving, make sure your parent has refilled their medications and, if necessary, transferred prescriptions to a pharmacy closer to the senior living community. Place all medications in a dedicated box for easy access in their new home.
  • Notify others of your parent’s new address. Contact the local post office to ensure mail is delivered to your parent’s new home. If they receive Social Security or Medicare benefits, update their address online.

Make their new senior living community feel like home

The community director will show your parent the comforts and features of their new home while making sure essentials like medications, grooming tools and bathing items are within reach. Consider a housewarming gift like a recent family photo, knitted blanket, a favorite homemade dessert or crafts made by grandchildren.

Here are a few more ways you can ease their transition:

Get acquainted before moving in – A familiar face goes a long way to making one feel more relaxed and assured, so help your parent meet other residents and staff a few weeks before moving in. Accompany your parent to a meal in the community restaurant and introduce them to the chef. Visit the salon and say hello to the hairdresser. Encourage your parent to attend a social event or two to meet some of their new neighbors.

Give your parent space – You may feel tempted to visit and call your parent more frequently when they first move, but be careful not to overdo it. Assure them you’re available, but give them time to meet their neighbors and explore their new environment.

Encourage social connection – Enjoy an occasional meal with your parent in the community restaurant or join them for a social event, class or program. Take note if they are interacting with other residents and staff, and gently make introductions if your parent appears shy about making new acquaintances.

Monitor their well-being – When you talk to your parent, ask if they are eating well, taking their medications, engaging with others and staying active. Talk with the community director to stay apprised of your parent’s physical and emotional health, and ask what arrangements can be made to help your parent adapt to their new environment.

Manage the emotional impact

The excitement you feel over your parent’s new beginning can sometimes be accompanied by feelings of sadness or guilt, leaving you with doubts. Was this the right decision? Will my parent be happy? Will they make new friends? Will they be cared for?

Understanding the many ways older adults benefit from a community setting may ease these concerns. Explore “5 reasons why older adults thrive in senior living communities” and “How quality care services empower older adults” to learn more and consider other ways to manage any conflicting emotions.

Find support – Share your feelings and concerns with family and friends – they can often provide a different perspective or offer advice you hadn’t previously considered. If you still feel overwhelmed, consider discussing the situation with the director of the senior living community. If warranted, they can recommend a therapist to help work through this time. Seek out local support groups created specifically for children of older adults.

Consider the alternative – If you find yourself second-guessing the decision, reflect on all of the concerns that led to it. Maintaining a household was likely becoming more challenging and perhaps even more dangerous for your parent. Could you have continued to provide the level of care your parent needs, especially as those needs escalate? What about their feelings of isolation? Study after study has shown that daily connection improves well-being and happiness.

Know what you’re feeling is normal – Many children of older adults have felt like they were letting their parents down by not doing more to help them keep living at home. But encouraging your parent to move to a senior living community is an act of love that can empower them to live a more fulfilling life.

Call on us for help or support

As a leader in the industry, Atria Senior Living is happy to share our expertise and offer any support we can – even if the support you need is from someone other than us. Our trusted partnerships with local real estate professionals and moving companies could offer significant savings and take much of the worry out of your planning.

We can assist with your parent’s move every step of the way, from obtaining any needed medical documents to selling your parent’s home to the move itself. We can even put you in touch with interior designers that will fill your parent’s new apartment with furnishings that reflect their style and make everything feel homey.

We want to see your parent flourish in their new home from their very first day here. Reach out to your local Atria community director today to make your parent’s transition as positive and smooth as can be.

Categories
Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Providing dementia care at home – and when to seek help

Senior hugging her daughter

Hearing the doctor tell your mom or dad they have Alzheimer’s disease – or another form of dementia – is upsetting for both you and your parent. Once the initial shock subsides, there are steps you can take to feel less anxious about what lies ahead, prepare for the different levels of care your parent will need, learn how to cope with the diagnosis and help your parent continue to fill their days with meaning and joy.

Allow time for everyone to accept the diagnosis

A diagnosis of dementia can create a whirlwind of emotions. It’s natural to experience feelings of denial, fear, anger, sadness, frustration and even guilt. While the ups and downs can vary from day to day, your emotional state should even out with time.

As no two people process such complex feelings the same way, allow yourself, your parent and other family members the time needed to work through these feelings. If the feelings become overwhelming or elevate to a deep depression that won’t go away, seek help from a medical professional.

Learn more about dementia

The more you understand the progressive symptoms of dementia, the better equipped you’ll be to provide the care your parent needs and instill a sense of confidence knowing you’re doing everything possible to support them.

First, ask your parent’s physician to explain the diagnosis and refer local support groups. Explore resources on the Internet including podcasts, YouTube channels and online support groups – the Alzheimer’s Association® is a great place to start.

Be mindful that although various types of dementia exist, most involve symptoms that become worse over time. It’s helpful to develop coping methods to better manage your reactions should your parent become more confused, manipulative or aggressive.

What to expect as dementia progresses

People living with dementia may present many challenges for caregivers. Your parent’s symptoms may seem mild at first – like forgetting a person’s name and where they put their keys or trouble with routine tasks – but they can escalate to social withdrawal, wandering from home and the inability to feed themselves or use the bathroom.

Understanding the stages of dementia and utilizing this helpful guide will assist your decision-making process about the level of care your parent needs. Assistance with routine activities such as getting dressed, eating and bathing can be expected in the middle stages, which can usually be handled by a family member or visiting caregiver while your parent is still living at home. However, later stages often require full-time attention from dementia care professionals.

Periodically ask your parent what you can do to help and then provide assistance in a way that maintains their sense of control and independence as much as possible. Typically, in addition to routine daily tasks, those living with dementia will eventually require help managing finances, remembering medications, preparing meals, making medical appointments and arranging transportation.

While their needs will change – and may be challenging to provide for at times – taking steps that foster their independence and help you cultivate patience can ease a lot of frustration for both of you.

Explore treatment options

Alzheimer’s and many forms of dementia are progressive diseases that currently have no cure, but medical researchers are working hard to find one. Medications can ease or delay symptoms for some people. Talk to your parent’s doctor to understand the currently available options along with the potential risks and side effects of each. Check the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline for the latest news on memory loss clinical trials and see if there are any opportunities to participate in research groups.

Make home safe

Making the home safer for older adults is always a good idea regardless of a dementia diagnosis. Your parent will likely prefer to live at home until their condition requires more specialized care. Because you or another caregiver may not be present 24/7 in the early stages, take additional precautions to ensure your parent’s safety.

  • Identify hazards – As dementia can affect your parent’s judgment and physical dexterity, remove any tools, kitchen appliances, utensils, and cleaning supplies or other poisonous chemicals that could cause harm. Disconnect the garbage disposal and apply safety knob covers to the stove. Consider safety locks on the washer and dryer, and periodically inspect lint screens/ducts to make sure they’re clean.
  • Change locks – Replace locks on all exterior doors with a latch or deadbolt lock above or below eye level (so they are out of sight) to reduce the risk of accidental wandering. Hide an extra set of keys near an exterior door for emergency access. To prevent your parent from locking themselves in within the house, remove locks on all interior doors.
  • Secure medications – Place any vitamins and prescription medicines in a locked drawer or cabinet.
  • Remove firearms – Dementia may cause anxiety, hallucinations and aggression, so remove any firearms as your parent could mistake a well-known friend or family member as an intruder.

Create joy and find purpose

As dementia continues to affect your parent’s behavior and abilities, remain mindful of their feelings and treat them with dignity and respect. Share simple joys, whether it be listening to their favorite music, looking through a family photo album or painting their nails. Simply being present and offering companionship can go a long way to improving their attitude and well-being.

As people with dementia are prone to lose a sense of who they are, you can help strengthen your parent’s self-identity by discussing what gives their life meaning and purpose. Encourage them to participate in existing hobbies, explore new interests and reach out to others living with the disease for inspiration.

Plan for what’s ahead

Discussing financial matters with your parent can be awkward, but it is best to collect details of all bank accounts, tax returns and other important legal documents before their disease progresses. Talk to an elder law attorney or trusted financial professional to prepare or update your parent’s will and help you obtain medical power of attorney.

This is also a good time to explore care options for when you need a break from caregiving – or when the level of care your parent requires exceeds the care you and your family can provide. Research the home care and respite care providers in your area and make a list of those you prefer.

Memory care can be beneficial even to those living with the early stages of dementia, but deciding when to move a parent to such a community will depend on your parent’s health, symptoms and other factors. While your parent may be a long way from requiring round-the-clock care, it’s a good idea to schedule tours of local memory care assisted living communities before their condition progresses. This will give you and your family time to compare options and discover which community offers the specially trained staff, programs and secure environment that will best serve your parent.

Connect with others

Being a caregiver for a parent diagnosed with dementia can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s important to protect your own well-being so you can continue to provide the care they need as well as manage your many other obligations to work, home and family. If possible, don’t take on all of the responsibilities yourself.

Share your dementia knowledge and caregiving tips with family and friends who are offering support. Keeping everyone in the loop prevents any surprises as your parent’s disease progresses and helps ease the burden of everything resting solely on you.

Look for a support group and connect with others who can share their experiences and offer advice, encouragement and, perhaps most important, a sympathetic ear.

Call on us for help or support

As a leader in the industry, Atria Senior Living is here to share our expertise in assisted living and memory care and offer any support we can – even if the support you need is from someone other than us. Use this resource to guide and assist your family as you explore options for your parent’s care needs. We can call on our relationships with trusted financial advisors and provide senior care resources to put you in touch with the best solution for you and your family, whether you’re moving to Atria or not. To see if memory care is offered near you, find a community and look for the purple memory care icon.

Our Guide on the 7 Stages of Dementia (PDF)

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

Encouraging healthy eating in older adults

Shot of a cheerful group of senior people talking and enjoying breakfast together at home

Are you a big fan of turmeric? Is salmon common in your household? Does the inside of your refrigerator look like an organic produce aisle? You can tell a lot about someone based on the contents of their cupboard and pantry. Spices, mealtime staples and the type of produce we choose indicates our culture, our upbringing and our socioeconomic status. It may also hint at our current state of health.

If you peek into kitchens and observe the food choices of seniors across America, you may find a stockpile of packaged food, canned soup or beans and store-bought frozen dinners. This is especially common if the person requires assistance with daily activities and/or lives alone.

Quiz: How to Tell if Your Parent is Getting the Proper Nutrition

 

“Older adults don’t have to make a meal to feed the rest of the family,” said John Hetzel, Vice President of Culinary at Atria Senior Living. “It’s easy to just grab a box of crackers out of the cupboard, sit down in front of the TV and eat, opposed to making yourself a full meal.”

These types of foods are more convenient than freshly cooked meals, but they aren’t always the healthiest options. Packed with sodium, sugar, unhealthy fat and empty calories, these items contribute to malnutrition, which is very common among older adults.

Hetzel sheds light on malnutrition in older adults and provides helpful tips on how to help your parent maintain a well-balanced diet.

Why are older adults more at risk for poor nutrition?

Poor nutrition or malnutrition is commonly misunderstood as simply not having enough to eat. However, malnutrition in the elderly population is more complex than that. Not eating the right foods or the inability to absorb nutrients from foods can cause malnutrition as well. This can make it difficult for older adults to meet nutritional goals.

Generally speaking, caloric needs actually decrease with age, but nutrient needs change and become more important to fulfill. In other words, quantity goes down, but quality must go up.

Depending on varying factors unique to one’s health, it is easy suffer from undernutrition (becoming very frail, weak and underweight,) or overnutrition (becoming overweight, diabetic and often fatigued).

What factors might impact a senior’s appetite and nutritional intake?

 

  • Exercise and activity – Seniors who are more active are generally healthier and able to avoid or control chronic health issues.
  • Medication – Prescription drugs may alter sense of taste or appetite.
  • Mobility – The inability to walk and grocery shop, stand and meal prep, or handle cooking and eating utensils due to Parkinson’s or arthritis can impact food choices and lead to a poor diet.
  • Sensation of thirst – The desire to drink fluids decreases as we age, making it easy for older adults to become dehydrated quickly.
  • Loss of taste and smell – The perception of flavor and aroma declines naturally as age progresses, but sometimes illness and even cognitive impairment can be the cause.
  • Cognitive impairment – Dementia and malnutrition go hand in hand. Cognitive impairment affects the way we recognize food on the palate and can cause difficulty swallowing. Clinically, this is called dysphagia. Cognitive impairment is also made worse by poor nutrition and dehydration.
  • Changes in mood – Depression or loneliness could cause overeating or undereating.

What are possible signs of malnutrition in older adults?

The importance of proper nutrition for seniors cannot be overstated. Not only will a diet high in processed foods exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure – it can cause obesity, cardiovascular disease and poor bone health. Older adults who are malnourished are more frail, have an increased fall risk and slower recovery times, and are frequently hospitalized.

Do you suspect your parent isn’t receiving the proper nourishment? Look for these signs.

Signs and symptoms of malnutrition in elderly

 

  • Sudden or unintentional weight gain or loss
  • Edema, especially in the hands, face and feet
  • Obviously ill-fitting clothes or shoes
  • Food aversions or complaints about the taste or smell of food
  • Exhibited loss of appetite or interest in food
  • Excessive food consumption due to memory loss or not remembering eating
  • Frequently coughing, gagging or choking while eating
  • Lack of energy or often experiencing fatigue
  • Little to no movement in day-to-day routine
  • Weak immune system and long recovery times
  • Frequent hospitalizations due to falls, illness and infections
  • Rotten produce and expired food items in the pantry and refrigerator
  • Reliance upon processed foods
  • Infrequent bowel movements

Ask a healthcare provider how to help improve senior nutrition

Don’t wait to engage your parent’s doctor for advice or intervention regarding their nutrition. Malnutrition in older adults is easy to identify but may be difficult to recover from if it goes on too long. During the appointment, discuss regularly monitoring your parent’s weight in a helpful and noninvasive way. Inquire about modified exercise techniques or ways to achieve attainable activity goals.

Ask about comprehensive health screenings to identify vitamin or mineral deficiencies and pinpoint any underlying conditions that contribute to malnutrition. Ask for a medication review. Inquire about the best diet for seniors, especially if your parent needs to follow a specific diet because of health conditions. Older adults suffering from unintentional weight loss are often trying to adhere to a strict, therapeutic diet and may benefit from having more food-choice freedom.

Before purchasing any meal replacement shakes ask your parent’s healthcare provider what is the best nutritional and protein drink for seniors. Many of these items are high in sugar, and relying too heavily on them could cause digestive issues.

When seeking a solution to improve your parent’s nutrition, tap into all available resources. If there are any concerns related to chewing or swallowing, your parent’s doctor may refer a speech pathologist to investigate whether or not your parent has dysphasia, which could put them at a higher risk of weight loss due to dehydration and an inability to consume enough food.

Additionally, occupational therapists are extremely knowledgeable about techniques and devices to address any motor skills challenges your parent may have. Adaptive devices, such as built-up utensils, divided plates and two-handled cups, can help your parent eat and drink independently. If your parent doesn’t utilize occupational therapy, ask their healthcare provider how you can get access to such services.

Use this helpful guide and quiz to have a successful conversation with your parent’s healthcare provider regarding nutrition.

Create a recipe for success at home

When asked about the best diet for seniors, Hetzel suggests minimally processed foods.

“Immediately go to fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, things like that. Natural, non-processed foods that are not high in sugar or calories,” he says.

Ask your parent to help you create a shopping list, making sure you add high-protein options to help prevent the loss of lean muscle mass. Seafood, dairy and fortified soy alternatives, beans, peas, lentils, meat, poultry and eggs are great sources of protein and high-energy food for seniors.

Other healthy food options for seniors are those high in fiber, like whole grain cereal, brown rice and oats. Help combat thirst by ordering small, eight-ounce bottles of water, unsweetened fruit juices and low-fat or fat-free milk.

If your parent is up to it, invite them to go grocery shopping with you. Not only will this present an opportunity for togetherness, it’s also a way to inspire physical activity.

Many grocery stores now offer online shopping services with the option of delivery or pick-up if shopping together is not an option.

Meal prepping together is a fun and easy way to help create healthy meals you know your parent will enjoy. Try new recipes together or recreate a dish that your parent loves.

“The one way to make sure your parent is eating is to offer something they like to eat,” Hetzel says.

Nothing inspires the appetite like enjoying a meal together. Consider family dinners or family lunch a regular part of your schedule when possible. After the meal, ask your parent to join you for a short walk to get them moving.

If three large meals overwhelm your parent, encourage smaller, more frequent meals. If your parent likes to graze throughout the day, encourage snacks that are healthy and tasty. Hummus and pita chips or fresh vegetables, sliced bell peppers and guacamole, fruit with cottage cheese and a dash of cinnamon, and popcorn without butter are delectable options that are easy to prepare.

The culinary experience at Atria

Residents at Atria are encouraged to dine together as much as possible.

“It’s a part of a holistic approach to care. Folks being in a dining room, being with friends, making a social connection – it all encourages health,” Hetzel said.

Pair companionship with tasty, made-from-scratch meals and you have a delicious recipe for healthy, flavorful living.

Each day in Atria kitchens across the country, chefs are preparing fresh, flavorful meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner that meet the nutritional needs of older adults – even those who have special dietary restrictions.

“You’re getting a mix of proteins; you’re getting a mix of vegetables and different fruits. It’s a nice, well-rounded, nutritionally balanced menu,” Hetzel said. “A registered dietitian signs off on all of our menus.”

If you’re curious how Atria Senior Living helps nourish older adults with made-to-order meals – as well as other discreet, personalized care options – reach out to us. You’re always welcome to visit for lunch with your parent or even one of the community’s Resident Ambassadors.