When you step into Atria Chandler Villas, you can feel the warmth. It’s not just another senior living community; it’s a place where people genuinely care about one another, and every interaction is full of kindness and respect. Shiron Ruff, the Executive Director, felt this connection right away.
“Atria Chandler Villas is truly a special place. I knew it from the moment I walked in on my first day,” Ruff shares. “The staff and residents here have such big hearts. We’re like family, always looking out for each other. The positive energy makes coming to work a joy!”
It’s this tight-knit, compassionate spirit, combined with an unwavering commitment to excellence, that has led Atria Chandler Villas to a major achievement: the prestigious “Q” Award. This award is one of Atria Senior Living’s highest honors, given only to communities that exceed the rigorous standards of the company’s Quality Enhancement (QE) program.
What is the Q Award?
Atria’s Quality Enhancement program stands out in the senior living industry for its thoroughness and attention to detail. With unannounced reviews twice a year, the program assesses over 400 performance indicators – from first impressions and cleanliness to resident services and culinary quality. Achieving a Quality Enhancement score of 90% or higher is no small feat, but doing so for three consecutive years is a true testament to the commitment of the Atria Chandler Villas team.
“We’re so proud to bring home the Q Award for the third year straight,” says Ruff. “This team is amazing! Everyone is committed to excellence – not just during reviews but every single day. This success doesn’t belong to one single person; it takes a village. Each person plays their part.”
The emphasis on teamwork is key. From administration and housekeeping to caregiving and culinary services, each staff member plays a key role in making Atria Chandler Villas the wonderful place it is. By working together and keeping quality top of mind, they’ve created a space where residents feel valued and can thrive.
Why Quality Matters in Senior Living
The residents of Atria Chandler Villas experience the benefits of this quality-focused service every day. They enjoy a clean and well-maintained environment, timely and personalized care, delicious meals and engaging activities – these are just a few of the things that make life here special.
But quality is about more than just services. It’s about the culture within the community. “Our residents benefit from our quality standard and all the other programs Atria promotes. It also allows the leadership team to focus their efforts on developing culture and customer service within our four walls,” Ruff explains.
Atria Senior Living is committed to helping its communities provide not only quality care, but also a real sense of belonging. Programs like Engage Life® events and personalized care plans help residents live with purpose, dignity and joy.
A Team Committed to Excellence
Earning the Q Award three years in a row isn’t just an achievement; it’s a reflection of the dedication each team member brings to work each day. Their commitment to excellence isn’t about high scores. It’s about making Atria Chandler Villas a place where residents feel safe, cared for and truly at home.
“We’re more than coworkers – we’re a family,” says Ruff. “Everyone here is dedicated to our community’s success. That’s what makes Atria Chandler Villas such a great place to live and work.”
While they celebrate the honor of a third-straight Q Award, the team at Atria Chandler Villas isn’t slowing down. They’re dedicated to living the values of the QE program every day, always aiming to improve and ensuring their residents receive the best possible care.
Looking to the Future
As 2024 comes to a close, Atria Chandler Villas stands proudly among 70 other Atria communities that earned the Q Award this year. While the award is a wonderful symbol of recognition, it’s the sense of pride that comes from making a real difference in residents’ lives that truly drives this team.
What if the key to senior fall prevention was a simple balance test?
This is the premise underlying Atria’s Better Balance Program. Developed in collaboration with Zibrio – a balance diagnostics company – this research-based program aims to reduce fall risks and improve balance and mobility for Atria residents.
“Since starting the Better Balance Program, I’ve gotten more confident in my ability to get from place to place without shuffling my feet or stopping all the time to regroup,” says Nancy W., a resident at Atria Del Sol in Mission Viejo, CA. “And the exercises are really fun to do with other people.”
Maintaining and improving balance is crucial for senior health, as it directly impacts the ability to live independently and safely. As we age, our muscle strength, joint flexibility and coordination tend to decline, making everyday activities more challenging and increasing the risk of falls. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults, often resulting in fractures, hospitalization and a reduced quality of life. By focusing on exercises for senior fall prevention and lifestyle strategies that maintain and improve balance, older adults can minimize the risk of falls and move through their daily routines with greater confidence.
The Better Balance Program represents a new level of senior fall prevention that targets multiple risk factors – and it is already having a tangible positive impact on the daily lives of Atria residents.
How the Better Balance Program Works
Zibrio’s senior fall prevention strategy is built around its Six Pillars of Balance model, which focuses on lifestyle factors that affect balance: fitness, medical conditions, medications, mood, sleep and strength.
At the core of Atria’s Better Balance Program is the Zibrio stability scale, which assesses an individual’s balance by measuring movements of the body while standing for 60 seconds. The scale provides a balance score that helps identify potential issues and highlights the risk of falling, giving older adults a baseline for monitoring their progress and making adjustments to their fitness routines.
Once a score has been determined, Atria residents can use the Zibrio app to discover the best techniques to improve their balance. On-site EmpowerMe physical therapy sessions and Atria’s targeted fitness classes also help residents develop a regimen tailored to areas that can strengthen their stability, using exercises like yoga, tai chi and strength training.
The Zibrio app also provides ongoing education about other factors that influence balance, including sleep, nutrition, mood and medical conditions. This personalized, data-driven strategy empowers residents to actively work to improve their stability and reduce the risk of falls.
The results speak for themselves. In just the first two months since the Better Balance Program was launched in four Atria communities, 92% of participants improved or maintained their balance scores. In those same two months, 13% of residents shifted to a lower fall risk category.
“The Better Balance Program quickly increased my awareness of the connection between my body and my balance,” says Atria Del Sol resident Judy O. “I never realized my balance could fluctuate, but now I’m able to stay more focused and aware while standing or walking.”
Better Balance Means Better Senior Fall Prevention
Atria prioritizes fall prevention and balance exercises for seniors as essential components to overall health and well-being. The Better Balance Program provides residents with a comprehensive, results-based regimen that helps them maintain independence by improving balance and mobility.
As we age, one of the most significant decisions we face is where to live.
While many older adults prefer to remain in the comfort of their homes, studies show that community living can provide the support needed for people to live more independently, longer. It’s important that families carefully evaluate which option can best provide both independence and quality of life.
The Realities of Aging in Place
For many older adults, the idea of staying in a familiar environment surrounded by cherished belongings and memories is appealing. However, continuing to live in a long-time home comes with both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Comfort and familiarity: Remaining in a familiar home can provide older adults with emotional security and avoid the worries that may accompany moving.
Maintaining routines: Continuing long-established daily routines can promote a sense of independence and control over an individual’s environment.
Proximity to community: Older adults may already have established relationships with their neighbors and local services, which can bring a sense of comfort and stability.
Cost considerations: For those who don’t require home modifications or in-home care, remaining in a house that’s been paid off may be more affordable than moving.
Disadvantages
Home modifications: Many homes are not designed to accommodate aging adults, and necessary modifications such as ramps, grab bars or stairlifts can be costly.
Increased risk of isolation: As a person’s mobility decreases, staying socially connected becomes more difficult, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness. The National Institute on Aging shows these factors have been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and dementia.
Safety concerns: Without proper home modifications, everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and bathing can pose safety risks, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Limited access to health care: Older adults who remain in their homes but depend on others for transportation may neglect timely medical care, risking an escalation of minor health concerns.
Senior Living Communities: An Empowering Alternative
It’s a common misconception that moving into a senior living community limits a person’s independence. In fact, these communities are specially designed to foster autonomy while offering essential support to enhance overall quality of life. Here are some of the key benefits senior living communities offer.
Comfort and convenience: Life is simplified, with housekeeping, meals and maintenance handled by staff, while utilities and transportation are often included in the monthly rate.
Opportunities for social connection: A variety of events, including exercise classes, group outings and volunteer opportunities, help older adults stay engaged and feel fulfilled. Research published in Nature shows that having a sense of purpose contributes to longevity by supporting a stronger immune system and improving mental well-being.
Healthier mind and body: Easy access to health care, nutritious meals and fitness programs promote better physical and mental well-being. A study by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC) found that older adults in senior living communities tend to live longer and healthier lives compared to those who live alone.
24/7 care access: Senior living offers a sense of safety with round-the-clock support, which may include personal assistance, medication management and specialized services for memory-related conditions like dementia.
Family relief: Caregivers enjoy a sense of relief after a family member moves to senior living. Because communities tend to the many duties of caregiving, families can focus on spending quality time together rather than managing to-dos.
Supporting Independence and Enhancing Quality of Life
Making the best decision between continuing to live in a familiar environment and moving to a senior living community depends on factors like health, mobility and social needs. While “aging in place” often refers to staying in the comfort of a long-time home, it can also refer to choosing a community that will accommodate changing care needs over time – and may even help prevent them. With access to care, social activities and a community of peers, families often find senior living can promote independence and provide an improved quality of life.
Jason Shott knows the importance of crafting a care plan for aging family members – and the challenges that accompany the process.
As Regional Vice President of Atria Senior Living, he helps families navigate the tough conversations and difficult decisions that arise when planning for future care. He currently sits on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association® Connecticut Chapter, where he helps raise awareness for families dealing with dementia. And his personal experiences with his own parents have given him firsthand insight into the importance of creating a comprehensive care plan as early as possible.
Here are his thoughts on what to look for in assisted living, how to talk to family members about the future and how making a care plan benefits older adults – and their families.
Why is long-term care planning important?
Shott: Having a long-term care plan can make all the difference in a person’s health and quality of life. At some point, you might have to make some difficult decisions about things like assisted living or memory care, and the more you’ve worked out a game plan beforehand, the better informed your decisions will be. Some people don’t understand how moving to an assisted living community can really benefit them. It can be a great, highly engaging new chapter.
What you really don’t want is to have to make decisions in an emergency situation, where you don’t have the time to talk things through with your family members and figure out your best options. More planning generally leads to better outcomes.
Can you say a little more about how a good plan – or the lack of one – can impact future care?
Shott: My experiences with my own parents taught me what a difference having a plan can make, because we ended up having two very different outcomes.
As a family, we didn’t really communicate about health care or what to do when we age. Then my mom got older and her health deteriorated, but she didn’t want to talk about the possibility of assisted living and fought against the idea tooth and nail. She didn’t really have a clear concept of what assisted living was. Her mindset was that it was a place where people are sick or infirm, and my father and I didn’t really know how to have the conversation with her.
Eventually she mismanaged her medication and suffered a stroke, and suddenly we had to make decisions quickly. We didn’t have time for conversations or to research all our options. And, unfortunately, she picked up an infection in the hospital and passed away.
Did that experience change how you and your father approached planning for his future care?
Shott: It did. After the experience we had with my mom, my dad was more open to talking about future care options. He decided to move to an assisted living community, and it changed his life. My daughter and I would go visit, and he was more engaged than he’d been in years. He went to happy hour every day and socialized. He started going to church services again. It was really special to see him rejuvenated like that after years of not living his life to its fullest. He ended up living in assisted living for seven years, and it was such a beautiful experience for him.
One of the things that he said to me was that if he had known what assisted living could be like, he would have tried to convince my mom to make the move years ago. And it broke my heart because my mom could have had an incredible next stage of her life. If we’d known the importance of long-term care planning, it would have been a game changer for all of us. It was for my dad. I wish it was for my mom.
When should families start having a conversation about making a care plan?
Shott: It’s never too soon to start those conversations. I’m in my late 40s and, with all of the knowledge and expertise I have now, I’m already talking with my wife, my kids and my sibling about what I want my quality of life to look like as I age. As we get older, these conversations can be uncomfortable. A lot of people have a fear of facing their own mortality. But aging is a part of life, so it’s better to address it than avoid it.
For older adults, their quality of life can really be improved if they have a strong game plan regarding what they want to do as they get older. And those conversations should start immediately for everyone because we all have family members who are aging. You want to navigate these discussions carefully and sensitively. You never want someone to feel pressured to make a decision they don’t want to make. But these conversations are essential to making a plan, and the sooner you have a plan, the easier things will be going forward.
What should people look for in a senior living community?
Shott: I would start by looking at the quality of their care offerings. You want to know that if there’s a change in your health or you begin to slow down a little bit, the place has a quality care program that can adjust to your needs. This is also where something like memory care would enter the conversation. What health changes do you anticipate and what kind of community best suits your needs?
You also want an environment where your family member will be happy and comfortable. So look for a place that offers events and activities they’ll enjoy, a welcoming atmosphere, a quality culinary program, trained staff members that genuinely care about the job they’re doing – all those things are important.
Then you can look at the community’s reputation, whether it’s Google reviews or asking senior advisers their opinion of these places. What’s their reputation? Is there brand recognition? Is it a place that people stand behind?
Overall, you want a community that makes their residents the top priority. You want to make sure that you choose a reputable community that emphasizes and focuses on quality in all aspects of life for its residents. This can really make all the difference in your family member’s experience moving to assisted living.
In early 2024, Beth Remy and her sisters found themselves struggling with a dilemma many Americans face every year. Their 85-year-old father, in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, could no longer safely live alone. Beth and her sisters, Pam and Kim, knew it was time for their dad to explore assisted living options, but he resisted the idea and they struggled to make him realize it was the right move for his health and well-being.
“We knew it would be hard to convince him,” Beth says. “He’s very independent and can be stubborn. And there’s no real rule book for how to handle this process, so we had to figure it out as we went along.”
Beth, who lives in Newport, Rhode Island, is sharing her family’s experience to help other families who are dealing with similar circumstances.
“So many people go through this process, and I think it’s helpful to hear other people’s experiences,” she says. “I think it helps to hear about other people’s stories when you’re just starting to have these conversations with your own family.”
How did you and your sisters come to the decision that it was time for your father to transition to assisted living?
Beth: In January of 2023, Dad had an event, possibly a stroke, that left him very confused. Before that, he’d been relatively healthy and independent. He was still running four miles a day at the age of 84, living on his own and driving himself places. But after that event, he started struggling cognitively. My sisters and I all lived nearby, and we would invite him over for dinner and he wouldn’t show up, which had us worried. And when we finally reached him on the phone, it usually turned out he had forgotten about our dinner plans.
On one of those nights when we couldn’t reach him, we ended up calling the police. It turned out he’d been driving around but couldn’t remember where he was going and drove himself home. We’d been worried about him driving for a while – he had gotten into some scrapes and fender benders that he didn’t want to tell us about – but after that event in January, things were clearly getting worse.
There were other disconcerting signs too. He seemed depressed and not himself. He wasn’t eating, even when we made him dinner. He was losing weight. And eventually he was diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. My two sisters and I all live near him and we would check on him, but it was clear he needed a more professional level of care.
What was your process for researching and evaluating assisted living communities?
Beth: We wanted one nearby, so that narrowed it down. My sisters and I visited four different places in the summer of 2023. Some of those places had big, welcoming common spaces that gave a misleading impression of what it would be like to live there because the actual apartments were quite small. Others had confusing layouts, which concerned us. At one point we thought, “We don’t have Alzheimer’s and we keep getting lost in this place.”
When we visited Atria Aquidneck Place in Rhode Island, it really stood out. It was like a bell went off in our heads – it was such a positive, friendly, kind environment. There were lots of windows and natural light. It didn’t feel like we were visiting a nursing home or medical facility. It felt like a community where people were continuing to live their lives.
Ironically, Atria Aquidneck Place also turned out to be more affordable than the other places we visited, so it was a no-brainer.
How did you approach the topic of senior assisted living with your father and what was his initial response?
Beth: He’s very resistant to change, so we knew he would push back. We tried to highlight the social aspects because he often talked about being lonely and bored. We never lied to him, but we did have to reiterate our points because he would often forget previous discussions. We told him the truth, which was that we thought it might be great for him to have a group of people his age to share stories and socialize with. But he kept envisioning this negative stereotype of a nursing home.
We did convince him to come see Atria – we never bothered showing him the others – and while we were on the tour, it dawned on him why we were there. I don’t think he quite understood the purpose of our visit at first. We were standing in the apartment he would move into, and he looked at us and said, “I’d rather die than live here.”
That took us all aback. So we apologized to Sandra, the person giving the tour, and said we would have to wait. My sisters and I have power of attorney, but we felt strongly that ultimately it should be Dad’s decision.
By January of 2024, it was clear things were deteriorating to the point where he couldn’t be alone anymore. So we scheduled another visit to Atria; Dad couldn’t remember the first one. This time, on the way out, he told Sandra, “You have a nice place here, thanks for letting me visit.”
We got him to agree to move in, but then he decided he didn’t want to move right away. Eventually, we all came to an agreement that Dad would move in and me or one of my sisters would stay with him the first few nights.
In the days leading up to the move, he actually helped us pack. And during the move itself, he was really calm and positive, and my sisters and I ended up not staying with him those first few nights.
What has his adjustment to living at Atria Aquidneck Place been like?
Beth: Within a week, he was doing much better. He would call us every day to tell us how good the food was, how nice the people were and all the activities he was involved in. Dad’s personality is very introverted in some ways, but he’s more social now that he’s around people. There were a couple of nights where he would call us and be confused about where he was, but it never reached a point where we had to calm him down. He became less confused as time went on.
Dad does really well when he has a routine. Living alone in his condition, he couldn’t set up a routine for himself. But at Atria, there’s so much structure that it’s easier for him. He’s eating better and he’s gained his weight back. He’s less depressed, thinking more clearly and going for walks. Sometimes he still wonders why he’s in senior living, but it’s become his new happy normal.
What did the staff at Atria do to make the transition easier?
Beth: They were great – very professional, very patient and very kind. Move-in day was stressful for us, but the front desk was very helpful handling the logistics of getting his apartment set up.
We were struggling to get Dad’s media center set up when Jason, the Executive Director, walked in and helped us. We were impressed that he would spend that much time helping us instead of calling the tech team and going on his way. Right away we felt welcomed and supported.
We all had dinner with Dad the first night and our server, Sandy, was absolutely wonderful, explaining that Dad could order off the menu if there was something else he wanted.
And now, every time we visit, the people at the front desk tell us exactly where we can find Dad. They’re so attentive. Everyone has made us feel like they’re here to help us.
How does your father feel about living at Atria now?
Beth: We 100% feel like he’s settled into a comfortable routine. He checks all the upcoming activity lists and outings. He goes to art fairs, watches documentaries, goes to music performances. He really likes Atria’s game nights, where they play TV-style games like Jeopardy and other word games like Scrabble.
We play Scrabble and billiards with him when we visit, and sometimes other residents he knows will join us. If it’s nice out, we’ll play bocce or go for a walk.
Overall, he’s happy and in good spirits. He’s doing well cognitively on a day-to-day basis, but he can’t retain short-term memory. So we tell him, “Don’t worry, we’ll live in the moment with you. We don’t have to worry about tomorrow or what happened yesterday.”
Can you offer any final thoughts on the effect this experience has had on you and your family?
Beth: It was really stressful at first for all of us. But now it’s such a relief to know he’s in good hands. We don’t have to worry about how he’s eating or if he’s going to get lost or in an accident. And we know he’s got the care and guidance he needs to have a happy, healthy routine. If his Alzheimer’s progresses, he’ll eventually need memory care, but we feel like the move to Atria is going to delay that process because he’s doing better physically and cognitively. And as it happens, his apartment overlooks the community’s memory care courtyard, so in a way he’s already getting familiar with it if he ends up needing to move there.
It’s been life-changing for my sisters and I as well. We have more of our own time back. We don’t have to do maintenance on his house or mow the lawn. For years we felt we had to be around just in case he needed us, so we canceled a lot of vacations because of that.
But we actually just took our first vacation in five years together. It was wonderful being able to do that and have peace of mind knowing that Dad was taken care of.
Atria’s new collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter enhances our ability to provide supportive environments for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Aimed at enriching the lives of older adults and their families, this collaboration brings additional support systems to communities throughout the region.
Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Connecticut
“The Alzheimer’s Association is home to the field’s leading experts,” says Jason Shott, Regional Vice President at Atria. “And by working closely with them, our communities benefit from their expertise while we further the Association’s mission to maximize quality care and support.”
Laura Hoffman, the Association’s Vice President of Development for the Connecticut Chapter, says, “The Alzheimer’s Association is thrilled to build on our relationship with Atria Senior Living here in Connecticut. We are both committed to providing those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia – and their caregivers – the support and resources they need.”
To further these shared goals, the collaboration enables Atria to provide robust programs and toolkits to support family members navigating the complex waters of dementia care. A dementia diagnosis can leave many families feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. By tapping into the Alzheimer’s Association’s resources, Atria’s Life Guidance neighborhoods are better positioned to offer industry-leading care based on the latest research.
Education and awareness
According to a 2024 report from the Alzheimer’s Association, 128,000 Connecticut family members of people living with dementia perform 201 million hours of unpaid caregiving per year, work that’s valued at 4.3 billion dollars. This unpaid labor comes with a high level of emotional, physical and financial stress, leading to burnout, depression and strain from trying to navigate care decisions.
Seeking to alleviate some of the burden faced by caregivers, Atria and the Alzheimer’s Association are collaborating to offer tangible support and education that can make a real difference in the lives of Connecticut caregivers.
“Atria has partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to better engage communities and community education through the Connecticut Chapter gala, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Go Purple awareness initiatives throughout the state,” says Hoffman. “Through this collaboration, we have the power to impact thousands of lives throughout Connecticut and beyond.”
Upcoming events
To support families and individuals affected by dementia in Connecticut, we’re hosting a series of events designed to educate and foster connection among those impacted by the disease. Join us in strengthening a network of care across the state.
Brain Health with the Alzheimer’s Association
Join us for a presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association, featuring the latest research on healthy living for the brain and body.
As a proud local sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, we’re raising funds for care, support and research. Register to walk with one of our community teams.
Regular exercise is important no matter your age, but the benefits of being active are more significant as we get older. Establishing a consistent exercise routine can provide a wide range of health benefits for older adults – while also helping maintain independence, mobility and emotional well-being.
Good cardiovascular health can lower the risk and progression of heart disease, while activities that build muscle, improve balance, and enhance flexibility can increase bone density, help maintain mobility, and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries. Regular exercise also boosts serotonin, which can alleviate depression, and research suggests a strong correlation between positive moods and longevity. Another benefit of taking exercise classes: They provide an opportunity to connect and socialize with others, which can boost emotional health.
In short, a smart senior fitness regimen is essential to physical, cognitive and emotional health. And developing an exercise guide for seniors in assisted living communities is easy thanks to daily opportunities to be active – without having to leave home.
At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking; or 75-minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity, such as hiking or running.
At least two days a week of muscle-building activities, such as chair squats or light weight training.
Regular balance and flexibility activities, such as stretching and walking heel to toe.
How residents stay active in senior living communities depends on individual factors like fitness level and exercise preferences. For some people, the best option may be a morning jog; for others, it may be taking chair yoga classes with friends.
There are many types of low-impact exercises for assisted living residents to choose from. What’s important is to develop a sustainable routine that emphasizes cardio, muscle-building, balance and flexibility.
Here are some popular senior exercise programs and classes offered in assisted living communities, along with their benefits.
Cardio exercises for seniors
Aerobics: Walking and cycling provide a solid cardiovascular workout, raising heart rate and increasing endurance. Other equally effective, low-impact options include using a treadmill or stationary bike. Research indicates that walking for 10 minutes each day can boost longevity for older adults, which is why many senior living communities feature treadmills and outdoor walking paths.
Zumba®: Built around learning new dance moves, Zumba provides an excellent cardio workout – and is considered one of the most senior-friendly workouts. Classes can accommodate different levels of physical ability while providing a fun, social environment to keep participants engaged.
Aquatic cardio: For a more low-impact workout, aquatic cardio classes are a good option. The natural buoyancy of water allows participants to do exercises that elevate their heart rate while reducing stress on their joints and minimizing the risk of falls and other injuries. At Atria at Cranberry Woods in Pennsylvania, the Aqua Burn water aerobics class has become so popular that the one-hour workout is offered three times a week.
Boxing: While it may not be traditionally thought of as an exercise for older adults, boxing classes provide a range of mid-to-high intensity cardio activities, like jumping rope and punching bag exercises. Boxing workouts can be modified for different levels of physical ability, including seated exercises.
Atria Tarzana in Los Angeles offers a boxing class taught by Dean Moskowitz, a former professional fighter. The exercises can be done standing or sitting and include shadowboxing and hitting padded targets. The class helps residents improve their stamina and cardiovascular health in a fun, social environment.
Weight training for seniors
Lifting weights: The exercise equipment available at many assisted living communities includes light weights and weight machines, allowing residents to incorporate weight training into their fitness routines. Working out with weights is an excellent way to build muscle, increase bone density and improve physical stability.
Resistance bands: For individuals whose physical conditions limit their ability to lift weights, resistance band workouts for seniors provide a safe alternative. These exercises target many of the same muscle groups as weightlifting, and different bands can be used to increase or decrease the intensity of the workout.
Pilates: For those looking to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and decrease joint pain, Pilates is an ideal workout. Exercises like forearm planks, bird dogs and pelvic curls increase core strength without putting too much pressure on joints. Research suggests that Pilates training leads to better posture, balance and stability for older adults.
Bodyweight squats: Excellent for building strength and improving balance, there are a number of different squat techniques that can be performed based on range of motion and fitness goals. Chair squats offer a great variation for those just starting the exercise or who require more support while exercising leg muscles.
Body conditioning: By targeting multiple muscle groups, body conditioning classes increase strength and balance while also providing a high-energy workout. At Atria Cinco Ranch in Texas, the Total Body Conditioning class has become one of the most popular ways for residents to stay active. The class meets three times a week to work through a comprehensive series of muscle-building exercises like chair push-ups, lateral raises, bicep curls, knee lifts and mini-squats.
Senior exercises for balance and flexibility
Stretching: Basic stretching exercises that target major muscle groups can help reduce stiff joints and improve range of motion.
Heel-to-toe walk: This exercise can be done down a hallway or along a wall if support is needed. Simply walk in a straight line, touching heel to toe with each step.
Yoga: A gentle, low-impact exercise, yoga improves flexibility, balance and core stability with techniques that can be adapted to a wide range of fitness levels. Many assisted living communities offer yoga classes for a more structured, guided and socially interactive workout. Experts recommend chair yoga for seniors who are new to yoga or have mobility limitations.
Tai chi: Slow, flowing movements and mindful breathing are the core elements of tai chi. A study by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) determined that tai chi classes offered in senior living communities improved residents’ physical function and dual-task walking speeds.
Finding the right senior fitness program for you
Physical fitness becomes even more important to our overall health as we age, so it’s important to establish an exercise routine that will keep you engaged. A quality assisted living community should offer fitness opportunities that can accommodate all levels of ability. Finding the right combination of classes, workouts and activities will depend on your fitness level and interests; in some cases, you may need to consult a physical trainer or health professional.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia present strenuous and unique challenges for those afflicted and their families. As the baby boomer generation enters their senior years, more and more people will be diagnosed with dementia – experts estimate that there were more than 7 million Americans 65 and older living with dementia in 2020, and if current demographic trends hold, more than 9 million Americans could be living with dementia by 2030, and nearly 12 million by 2040.
Jason Shott, a Regional Vice President at Atria Senior Living, knows firsthand how difficult dementia can be for older adults and their families. His mother developed vascular dementia following a stroke.
“Like so many seniors, my mother had resisted moving to assisted living and ended up mismanaging her medications at home,” Shott says. “Trying to provide care for her after her dementia diagnosis was very challenging because, at the time, I didn’t know about all the available dementia resources for caregivers.”
He lost his mother to an infection she acquired during a hospitalization. When his father started showing signs of vascular dementia, Shott was more prepared.
“My dad had already moved into senior living, and his dementia was developing more slowly,” Shott says. “We were able to find ways to keep him engaged and he ended up living a long life in senior living.”
Shott currently sits on the board of advisors for the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and devotes much of his time to providing information and increased awareness to families dealing with dementia.
“It’s so important that you educate yourself and your family members about what dementia is and what it entails for everyone involved,” Shott says.
Below, Shott answers some of the most common questions about dementia, its progression and treatment options.
Q: After a family member has been diagnosed with dementia, what are the next steps?
Shott: The most important thing is to know you’re not alone. It really does take a village to address your family member’s needs and concerns. At Atria, we work very closely with the Alzheimer’s Association, often recognized as the national experts on the disease. They have a 24-hour hotline – that number is 1.800.272.3900. You can also go to their website for a list of myths about Alzheimer’s.
So that’s a good starting point. Once your family member has been diagnosed by a physician, have a conversation with them to better understand what the next steps are from a medical standpoint.
Finally, you want to make sure that you communicate what’s going on to your family members, to your network of peers. A lot of senior living communities provide support groups with a Certified Dementia Practitioner® that will help guide you. But the key really is to know that you’re not alone.
Q: What are the stages of dementia and what kind of timeline can I expect for the disease’s progression?
Shott: Dementia can vary from person to person, depending on habits, genetic factors, lifestyle changes and so forth. And we’ll set aside early-onset dementia since that’s a different subgroup. But for seniors, there are basically three primary stages of dementia: early, middle and late. The early stage of dementia typically lasts about two years. The middle stage can be anywhere from two to four years – again, these are averages. And then late-stage dementia can be two years or longer. Regardless of the stage, the important thing is to understand what your family member is going through and how you’re going to best meet their current needs.
Q: What are some tips for creating a care plan for a family member with dementia?
Shott: Again, I want to stress the importance of being present and enhancing your communication. Understand that sometimes you have to speak slower, listen longer, maintain eye contact and try to avoid any kind of sudden movements. Really slow down the communication process with them and be patient.
Exercise is also a very important aspect in developing a care plan. The more activities and mobility that an individual exhibits, the longer they’ll retain the use of those functions. Try to structure sleep routines as much as possible. Depending on what stage of dementia they’re experiencing, their sleep may become more erratic. So the more consistent you can be in the beginning with sleep patterns is extremely helpful.
And finally, you want to have structured calendars to make it clear what’s going to happen on a day-to-day basis. The more you keep their days structured and the more you focus on communication, exercise and establishing routine bedtimes, the easier life will be for both of you.
Q: How does care vary for different kinds of dementia?
Shott: It depends what stage of dementia the person is in and what their needs are. A lot of people want to be the primary caregiver, spending most of their time taking care of their family member, and they end up burning themselves out – we see that an awful lot. Your emotional stress and physical stress take a toll on your body and your mind, and it’s not good for you or your family member because you’re not giving your best self to them.
Hiring a 24-hour caregiver, or caregivers, for your family member is a possibility if they’re living at home. Some folks with mild to moderate dementia can also do well residing in assisted living communities. If it’s middle- to late-stage dementia and you’re seeking a safer environment, then a secure memory care neighborhood is an ideal option, which many assisted living communities offer. As the dementia progresses and your family member becomes more bedbound, they can move to a skilled nursing care environment. And then, as they reach the final stage of dementia, there’s hospice care.
Q: What treatments are available for dementia and does insurance cover dementia care?
Shott: It’s a great question because we’re in such an exciting time in terms of treatment for the disease. There are some folks with Alzheimer’s or early-onset dementia who may qualify for a new type of treatment currently in the trial stages. Certainly you should consult with your physician or healthcare partner to determine whether you qualify for those type of treatments, but this is the first treatment that really targets the plaques that are significant in the brain that affect us in terms of the disease.
These treatments are becoming more readily available. We’re educating folks on it. Doctors are getting educated. Hospitals are running trials. So there are certainly some exciting developments happening.
Medicare and Medicaid do cover dementia treatment, up to a certain point. There are several other long-term care insurance policies that may also provide treatment outside of the specific type of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. For other types of dementia, there are medications to treat the symptoms but not necessarily the underlying cause. And there have been some mixed results in how those medications work with people. Again, you really want to work with your healthcare professional and determine what medication is right, if any. But typically those types of medications are covered under insurance.
Q: Is there a cure for dementia?
Shott: Currently there is no cure for dementia. However, there are things you can do to slow its progression. There have been successful trials of new treatments for Alzheimer’s where folks have gone into a period of remission, where their disease did not progress further.
But certainly there are a lot of things you can do to slow the disease’s progression, such as increased activities, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. There are certain programs available in assisted living, memory care and senior community centers that are designed to slow the disease’s progression. We’re really trying to educate people about what they can do to be proactive and really improve their lifestyle.
Q: What is memory care?
Shott: Typically, memory care signifies a comfortable but secure environment, meaning that it’s an environment where the individual is very engaged and won’t necessarily know that the doors are locked to keep them from wandering off.
That can be in a skilled setting. It can be in an assisted living setting. It can be in your community center. The key is that a memory care environment should provide the supervised, specialized care that your family member needs, depending on what stage of the disease they’re in.
Memory care can be helpful for caregivers as a chance to relieve stress and allow them time to care for themselves. But it also provides an opportunity for an individual with dementia to be in an environment with others like them, where their behavior doesn’t seem abnormal. They’re around other people afflicted with the same disease, which can help reduce anxiety.
Q: How much does memory care cost?
Shott: That can vary depending on what area of the country you live in. On average, we think the median rate is somewhere around $6,000 a month for memory care offered in an assisted living setting, but that can vary depending on what geographic location you’re in. It can be less, it can be more.
Some insurance plans will cover some memory care costs, depending on the type of living environment. There may be local stipends that can assist. There may be veterans assistance that can be applied. There are a number of resources and experts out there that can help you navigate the financial aspects of memory care.
Q: How does a family member or spouse know when to move from assisted living to memory care?
Shott: It really depends on what stage they’re at.
We see people in assisted living who function well in the moderate stage until they develop anxiety because the people around them seem abnormal to them, or when wandering begins and we’re concerned about where they are at any given time, or if an increase in activities and structured activities throughout the day and into the evening would benefit them and keep them engaged. Those are the times that you would really think about moving somebody to a memory care neighborhood.
Q: Where can family members find Alzheimer’s dementia support groups and other dementia resources for caregivers?
Shott: The primary place you can go now is the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, which I mentioned earlier. They offer help in finding local and online support groups. They also have a 24-hour hotline number available in Atria’s communities and a lot of other senior living communities. Additionally, many senior living communities have a Certified Dementia Practitioner to provide support as well.
Also, every county across the United States has a chapter of the Area Agency on Aging, which is a nonprofit local resource that provides additional information in terms of financial support or caregiver support.
So there’s a lot of help out there. Get connected and be proactive. Please do not do this alone. It won’t benefit your family member. It won’t benefit you. It’s so, so important to have that village and that support that will help guide you through this process.
Caring for a parent or older family member can be rewarding, but it can also be mentally, emotionally and physically challenging. Not to mention, there often comes a time when older adults need extra assistance following illness or surgery, or social engagement that their family caregiver is unable to provide.
For many caregivers and their families, respite care at a senior living community – also referred to as a short-term stay or short-term assisted living – is the right solution.
Here are six reasons to consider a short-term stay and respite care for seniors.
In the U.S., there are more than 40 million unpaid caregivers, nine in ten of whom are caring for an aging relative – usually a parent – which requires a commitment of time and energy that can be exhausting.
Caring for an older family member – on top of handling other daily tasks and responsibilities – can leave you frazzled and wiped out, often neglecting your own needs. Caregivers need occasional breaks to recharge and avoid caregiver burnout (also known as caregiver stress syndrome).
Symptoms of caregiver burnout include exhaustion, depression and resentment. Caregiver burnout can also result in you no longer being able to provide the level of care your family member needs.
A short-term stay allows caregivers to rest and rejuvenate for days or weeks at a time. This might mean a couple days off to attend to your personal well-being or a weeklong vacation – all while having the peace of mind that your family member is receiving the attention and support they require.
2. Recovery from illness or injury
Respite care can be an excellent option for seniors recovering from surgery, illness, hospitalization or injury. Assisted living communities provide a safe and comfortable environment for older adults until they’re ready to return home. Daily tasks like cooking meals, housekeeping and transportation are taken care of by a dedicated staff, so short-term stay guests can relax and prioritize their happiness and well-being.
Many senior living communities offer care services like medication management and assistance with bathing, grooming and getting dressed, all of which can help older adults recuperate more quickly and comfortably than they would at home. And having a team of trained professionals on-site means faster response time to any concerns or complications that may arise during recovery.
When deciding between returning home and respite care following a hospital or rehab stay, you should consider both how long recovery will take and what challenges your family member will face along the way. Safety checklists like this one can offer guidance when deciding which recovery option is the best fit for your situation.
3. Social engagement
Loneliness and social isolation can lead to major health issues for older adults, including depression, high blood pressure and cognitive decline. This can be especially true during winter when the weather makes spending time outdoors more challenging. But research suggests that socializing can improve mood and cognitive function, and it’s often associated with higher rates of exercise.
Short-term respite care at an assisted living community provides a variety of fun activities and social events to keep seniors engaged. Painting classes, book clubs, movie showings and game nights all offer seniors a chance to connect with others and form new relationships with people who share their interests – relationships that can provide lasting fulfillment and emotional support long after they no longer need short-term senior care.
4. Trial run before making the move
For seniors and caregivers considering whether or not to make the move to assisted living, a short-term stay can provide an idea of what their experience would be like. Any big life transition can seem overwhelming, but getting a preview of what day-to-day life is like in a senior living community can help ease any concerns. Daily social opportunities like craft classes, yoga and group dinners are some examples of what residents look forward to every day. A trial run can help you make a more informed decision about your family member’s future.
5. Convenience and flexibility for emergencies
Sometimes unforeseen events – a personal health emergency, another family member falling ill, a crisis at work – can suddenly require caregivers to attend to other aspects of their lives. Assisted living communities can often accommodate short-term stay guests promptly and for flexible periods of time, allowing you to focus on other concerns while knowing that your family member is in trusted hands until you’re able to resume regular caregiving duties.
6. Nutritious (and delicious) dining
Finally, senior living communities can provide a variety of meal options that many caregivers might not have the time or ability to prepare at home. Menus are designed with the health and nutritional needs of seniors in mind. Not only does this mean your family member will be receiving delicious meals during their stay, but they may also discover a new favorite dish.
Respite care can benefit everyone
For caregivers, self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. To provide proper care for a parent or older family member, it’s important to also take care of yourself. With all the benefits and amenities assisted living communities have to offer, a short-term stay can be a positive experience for seniors and caregivers alike.
Funding retirement and long-term care often includes a blend of savings, social security, pensions and other forms of income, but many people overlook one of their biggest assets: their home.
If you or your parent are wondering how to pay for long-term care, a reverse mortgage is one option that allows an older adult to stay in their home while tapping into its equity to pay for care. That said, it’s important to understand how this type of loan works and the pros and cons of reverse mortgages. In this article, we’ll look at when this financial tool is the right fit and explore other options you might have.
What is a reverse mortgage?
Reverse mortgage loans allow homeowners aged 62 or older to convert a portion of their home equity into cash.
Unlike a traditional home loan, borrowers receive monthly payments – rather than making them – and the loan is repaid when the borrower sells the home, moves out or passes away. At that time, the balance of the loan is deducted from the proceeds generated by selling the house, and the remainder of the value is distributed to heirs.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recognizes three types of reverse mortgages. The most common is a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) insured through the Federal Housing Administration. The other two types include non-federally insured reverse mortgages, and single-purpose reverse mortgages that can be accessed through local or state governments.
Reverse mortgages rates and terms can vary between HECM and non-HECM loans, making it crucial to compare multiple offers to ensure you get the best rates.
Reverse mortgage requirements
Before you shop around for a loan, you should familiarize yourself with reverse mortgage details so you can assess your parent’s eligibility for a loan and their ability to meet the loan obligations.
Here are the main reverse mortgage loan requirements:
The homeowner on the loan must live in the residence the majority of the year.
They must have a low mortgage balance or own the home outright.
They must pay taxes and insurance, as well as maintenance and repair costs.
The home must meet required property standards.
The loan-holder must receive reverse mortgage counseling from a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling agency to verify eligibility and ensure they understand the financial implications of the loan.
Benefits of a reverse mortgage and long-term care
As noted above, the main benefit of a reverse mortgage is that it allows people to utilize the equity in their home while continuing to live there. Another benefit is that there are no monthly payments to make because the loan isn’t due until the house is sold, or the person who holds the loan moves or passes away.
Medical and personal care needs can be expensive, and reverse mortgage funds are flexible; they can be used to cover medical bills, specialized equipment and ongoing care costs. If your parent isn’t ready to downsize, a reverse mortgage is one way to fund long-term care at home. Even if they need a short-term stay at a senior living community to recover after an illness or injury, as long as they aren’t away from the home for more than 12 months at a time, they can retain eligibility for the loan.
Finally, there have been recent improvements to reverse mortgages. Historically, this type of loan has been associated with horror stories of spouses being removed from their home when a reverse mortgage comes due. However, as of 2017, the rules have changed to allow surviving spouses to remain in the home, even if they weren’t on the loan.
These loans are based on age, home equity and interest rates; but because the interest is cumulative, over time it can significantly reduce the equity left in your home. If downsizing in the future or leaving an inheritance to heirs are important to your parent, it’s critical to consider how long the loan will be needed.
Also worth noting is that homeowner’s responsibilities don’t go away. Failing to pay property taxes, maintain the home and keep current insurance can result in defaulting on the loan and possible foreclosure. If you’re looking at a reverse mortgage to cover long-term care, it’s important to consider if the burden of home maintenance is feasible.
When not to use a reverse mortgage
While reverse mortgages can be a helpful financial tool for some older adults, here are a few instances when a reverse mortgage might not be the best choice:
Short-term need. Reverse mortgages are designed for long-term use and initiating one for a short period might incur unnecessary fees and interest charges.
Limited home equity. Since the loan amount is based on the home’s appraised value and the borrower’s age, minimal home equity may make a reverse mortgage a poor option.
Plans to relocate. Because reverse mortgages become due when the borrower moves from or sells the home, if you’re considering downsizing in the near future, other financial options may be more practical.
Ability to meet loan obligations. If you anticipate difficulties in maintaining the property and staying current with property taxes and home insurance payments, it’s important to carefully consider the potential consequences, such as foreclosure, before deciding on a reverse mortgage.
Long-term care options
As noted above, a reverse mortgage isn’t for everyone. If you’re concerned that the loan obligations won’t be met or that the accumulated interest on the loan won’t be worth reducing the home’s equity, it may be time to explore other financing options.
Consider these alternatives to a reverse mortgage:
Long-term care insurance: Like most insurance, with long-term care policies you pay premiums and then make a claim when you need a service. But it’s critical to review different policies, as some may not cover the care you need and may retain the right to increase premiums after you sign up – making them far less advantageous.
A long-term care rider on a life insurance policy: Adding a long-term care rider to a permanent life insurance policy allows the policyholder to access the death benefit early if they receive a diagnosis of a chronic illness.
Self-insure: Though not technically insurance, investing early can provide an important buffer for long-term care expenses. It’s recommended to save enough by age 85 to pay for roughly three years of nursing care (the average age and duration it’s needed).
Liquidating assets: If the caveats of a reverse mortgage aren’t a good fit for your family’s situation, you can still access the value of a home by selling it. Especially when care is involved, selling a home is a common way to fund long-term care in an assisted living community or nursing home.
Medicare: While some care is covered by Medicare – such as doctor visits, hospital stays, preventative services like vaccinations and some home health care – it does not cover assisted living or long-term care. So, while Medicare may be a piece of financing care, it shouldn’t be depended upon to meet long-term needs.
Professional guidance
One of the first steps to developing a comprehensive plan for covering long-term care costs is talking with a trusted financial advisor who specializes in long-term care planning. Seeking professional advice and conducting thorough research will empower you to make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and circumstances.
In addition to being a great place to live, Atria Senior Living offers abundant resources for caregivers. Contact your local Atria community for financial planners in your area and more information to help you along your caregiver journey.
