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Family Dynamics

How to talk to siblings about an aging parent’s care

Senior woman and daughter looking through photos together

The only thing potentially more difficult than caring for parents as they age is discussing their care with the family. Facing the realization that the health or abilities of your parent is declining – along with a myriad of family dynamics paired with feelings of guilt and worry – can be a challenge.

In this helpful video, Melanie Bedell, Vice President of Sales at Atria, provides insight on how family dynamics may play a role in your parent’s care, and shares tips to make the discussion with your family go well.

In the eight steps below, find tips and techniques to thoughtfully approach the conversation about your parent’s care with your siblings.

8 steps to discuss an aging parent’s care with siblings

 

  1. Plan a meeting
  2. Ask your parent what they want
  3. Share helpful info and examples
  4. Communicate openly
  5. Listen openly
  6. Resist counterproductive behavior
  7. Ask for help and manage expectations
  8. Accept and forgive

Plan a meeting

Your family may be scattered across the globe, making spur-of-the-moment meetings seemingly impossible. Even if your siblings live relatively close, obligations of daily life can still be an obstacle, especially for those who are caring for children of their own.

“Everyone’s life is very busy, but nothing is more important than discussing your parent’s care – together,” said Bedell. “Because things don’t get easier as parents get older, they’re going to get harder.”

When and where convenient for all, schedule a face-to-face meeting to discuss care for your parent. The best time may be around the holidays or other occasions when the family typically comes together. If you have family who lives somewhere far away from your parent or you’re unable to arrange a time or place that works for everyone, consider setting up a video call through services like Zoom®, Skype or FaceTime®.

Don’t blindside anyone. Let everyone know the topic at hand, and try to include everyone in the discussion. Also, keep in mind that this should be the first of many meetings to come. Constant communication is key.

Ask your parent what they want

While alone with your mother or father, ask what he or she actually wants delicately but directly. Your parent deserves to be included in any decision that affects their life. Again, manage your expectations and be realistic. They may be saddened or resistant at the idea. Conversely, your parent may be more perceptive than you assumed.

“They may be saddened, but they may also be relieved,” said Bedell.

Let your parent’s response help influence and further guide your next steps.

Share helpful info and examples

If you are the primary caregiver or the most familiar with your elderly parent’s needs, be prepared to share or discuss challenges you are experiencing. Begin documenting incidents or things that concern you. If possible, plan to meet somewhere near your parent’s home so your siblings can visit and see things for themselves. Encourage them to spend a day with your parent and share their experiences.

It’s also important to share helpful info and examples of how caregiving may be affecting you. Has parent care caused you to miss work? Are you missing out on time with your own children and grandchildren? Are you experiencing adverse effects on your mental and physical health?

Communicate openly

Begin honest and respectful communication by leading by example. Express yourself clearly and try to stick to the facts. Write down your talking points to stay on track during the discussion.

While discussing your parent’s needs is understandably emotional, use the initial part of the discussion to build support around the main topic: the health, happiness and safety of the parent you love.

“It might get emotional at times, but reference back to why you’re all together to begin with: You want the best for your parent,” said Bedell.

Listen openly

This next tip is important: Invite your siblings to express their thoughts and listen without interrupting. Give everyone the opportunity to voice their emotions without immediately siding with them or invalidating how they feel.

By inviting input from your siblings, you show that their opinion is important. Ask open-ended questions at the end of the conversation: “What do you think is the best course of action?” or “How do you think we can best help Mom or Dad?” Listen to their responses, even if they have a radically different solution than your own.

Resist counterproductive behavior

There’s no guaranteed method on how to stop family disputes over aging parents, and that’s perfectly normal – it’s common for relatives to have disagreements.

Depending on the dynamics of your family, it may be easy to fall victim to finger-pointing, arguing and passive-aggressiveness, especially when triggered. Try to resist the temptation to fall into counterproductive behaviors by focusing on the issue, not the person.

Always assume the best intent. Your siblings may not align or agree on one single idea or care solution right away.

It’s okay.

Give everyone, and yourself, a chance to digest the information before reacting hastily. Remember, everyone has the same goal: the health and happiness of your parent.

Ask for help and manage expectations

Asking for help is hard, but you wouldn’t be here unless it was necessary. As the main caregiver, you must vocalize your need for support. Now is not the time to drop hints or mince words. How can siblings help with an aging parent? Be direct. Be clear about what you need. Most of all, be prepared. Write down tasks to delegate while managing your expectations and being realistic.

If a sibling lives in a different time zone, that person won’t be best for hands-on tasks, but they could provide relief by paying someone to do the jobs instead. If a sibling has a small child, they may have limited availability, but they could occasionally check in and visit. The sibling with poor financial habits should not handle money, but they may be the perfect person to keep your parent company when you need a break.

Don’t limit support to only physical activities. Include emotional support as well. How will you all lean on one another through difficult moments? While it may be too early to mention family therapy during the initial meeting, think about counseling down the road if necessary. Connecting with a geriatric care manager to discuss your unique situation is also an option to consider.

Accept and forgive

Alas, we cannot be all things to all people and the same holds true for our siblings. Accept your siblings for the help they are willing and capable of offering and forgive them for the support they cannot or will not provide.

Also, remain optimistic and do not shut down after the first sign of resistance. Give your siblings time to realize how they are capable of helping or contributing – even if it is something different than what you originally planned.

“Talking about your parent’s care can be challenging,” Bedell said. “But with a little bit of planning and patience, and open lines of communication, that challenge can be overcome.”

Our Guide on How to Talk to Your Siblings (PDF)

Categories
Making the Decision

Questions to ask during a senior care assessment

Happy elderly man and woman listening to various investment plans for their retirement.
Senior couple meeting real estate agent at home. Old husband and wife with financial advisor for investment opportunities. Happy elderly man and woman listening to various investment plans for their retirement.

The safety and well-being of residents should be the top priority of any senior care community. As such, licensed nurses generally assess each resident’s physical, emotional and functional needs prior to move-in, and then on an as-needed basis following that initial care plan.

Because these assessments often involve medical terms, and families may not have undergone this process before, it can be difficult to know which questions to ask. Read on for an overview of issues to address and answers to seek during a care assessment.

How the care assessment process works

Every senior living community conducts its care assessments differently, but this is a general overview of how the process works:

 

  • Prior to a new resident moving into a senior living community, a licensed nurse will meet with the resident to identify the needs they may have, including medication assistance.
  • Generally, the senior living community will request a physician’s health evaluation of the resident. Those requirements vary from state to state, however, and it’s worth noting that in many senior living communities, a physician’s assessment is often distinct from the assessments that nurses or RSDs provide.
  • Following move-in, ongoing assessments are conducted and updated based on a resident’s changing needs – as the staff observe and report them – as well as a resident’s requests for increased services.

Questions to ask during a care assessment

The issues that you’ll raise during the care assessment will vary considerably, depending on the services provided, the evaluation results, and the needs of the resident. Yet here are a few pertinent questions that might apply in most situations:

 

  • What are the levels of care for seniors?
  • What care is provided in assisted living communities?
  • When is the right time to move from assisted living to memory care?
  • How frequently do staff members provide discreet care to residents?
  • How do you assess care needs for seniors, and what are the differences between them?
  • Which services do you provide (personal care, medication assistance, incontinent management, and so on)?
  • What type of medical documentation will residents need to provide prior to move-in (a physician’s report, a nursing assessment, a TB test, and so on)?

Making the right decision for your family

At Atria, our senior care services are backed by industry-leading quality standards. “The differentiator in Atria’s care is our preparation, our response, our protocols, our internal Quality Enhancement review process,” Joanna Mansfield, Atria’s Senior Vice President of Care and Life Guidance, said. “We have stringent guidelines. We have checks and balances to make sure residents’ needs are being fulfilled.”

Atria only hires nurses with a clinical skill set and management experience who are also familiar with working with older adults. The attention to detail required in their jobs helps give them the structure necessary to provide the best senior care for the world’s wisest people. And if you have any questions about that care, we’re here to help.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about Atria, visit AtriaSeniorLiving.com/FindACommunity to discover the location nearest you.

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

What are common signs of aging?

Photo of a family spending time together

It’s no secret. With age brings mental and physical changes. Some signs of aging are subtle, like the slight change in taste of certain foods. Other signs are more noticeable, like reoccurring aches and joint pains. While each person’s unique health history and genetic disposition play a key role in the effects of growing old, it’s important to have a general understanding of what’s common, what to expect and what could be cause for concern.

Our Guide to the Common Signs of Aging (PDF)

Forgetfulness could be a sign of growing older

Forgetfulness and moments of memory lapse could be common signs of aging. Some examples your older parent may experience include misplacing things, missing an appointment or occasional trouble finding words that are “on the tip of their tongue” during a conversation.

Keep an eye out for your parent having difficulty remembering how to do regular tasks, such as taking daily medications or keeping up with hygiene, forgetting recent events or displaying changes in their functional abilities. This could mean your parent may need more reminders, supervision or hands-on assistance, like an in-home caregiver or assisted living.

How to help your parent: When assisting your parent, show patience. They may be frustrated with their own forgetfulness. Creating to-do lists together is an easy way to stay on track of daily routines. Encourage involvement in activities that strengthen the mind and body, like walking. Organization for regularly used items is important. For example, things like house keys, a purse or wallet, and medications should be placed in the same accessible spot each day. Your parent may also have a hard time admitting they need help and refuse assistance. Reassurance and support will remind them that the goal is to help them stay safe and independent.

Maintaining daily routines may be difficult

The desire, energy or ability to stay on top of home maintenance can decrease as people age. You may notice things like mail piling up, more frozen meals instead of fresh food, untidy rooms and small tasks going unaddressed, like replacing broken light bulbs.

You may even notice a lack of energy or interest to stay on top of hygiene, such as skipping daily showers or wearing stained clothes.

However, increasingly unsafe, unsanitary and unhealthy surroundings are signs an aging parent needs help.

“It’s said that it takes a village to care for a child. The same sentiment holds true to care for an older adult who’s experiencing cognitive and functional decline,” said Christina Y. Chen, MD, geriatrician at the Mayo Clinic.

“It takes thoughtful caregivers, friends, family and an involved healthcare system, as well as a keen understanding of what is within our control, what is outside of our control, and doing the best to bring out the best.”

How to help your parent: Assist with daily tasks that seem to be overwhelming. For example, sit with your parent and go over the bills or visit weekly to tidy up the house. If you live far away, consider setting up some bills for autopay or hiring a housekeeping service.

Your parent’s mood may be different following loss

Loss becomes more commonplace as we grow older. It is expected to experience sadness following the death of friends, family or a spouse, but be aware not to overlook signs of depression and anxiety, which often goes untreated in older adults.

How to help your parent: Be patient and supportive during the grieving process. Loss is hard at any age. Make a point to call and check on their well-being. Invite your parent over for dinner or a fun family activity. Consider talking to your parent about grief counseling or accompanying them to a support group. Some places of worship also offer grief and counseling services.

Your parent’s mood may be different following major changes

Frustration or sadness on the heels of retirement or selling the family home is surprisingly common, especially if spurred by declining health or a decrease in independence. Again, be on the lookout for signs of depression and anxiety, which could also manifest as anger.

How to help your parent: Be considerate of their unique grieving process and encourage your parent to engage in what brings them joy. Or, if they are open, introduce them to something new to encourage future-forward thinking. If sadness, frustration or overall discontentment persist, consider talking to your parent about counseling.

Isolation and loneliness can be common for an elderly parent

Declining health paired with a disability or limited mobility can cause an older adult to feel like an inconvenience to others. Because of this, it is common to isolate oneself, consequentially leading to loneliness and eventually depression. Withdrawing from others and showing a lack of interest in things they once enjoyed are telltale signs of isolation and loneliness. You may even notice them napping more or frequently watching TV.

How to help your parent: Monitor this behavior as best as possible, and then engage your parent with an activity known to bring them joy. Start in the home where it is safe and familiar, and then work up their comfortability to venture out in the world. Modify activities according to their abilities. Look for places that are accessible and won’t overwhelm them.

Physical decline during the aging process

Declining physical changes are inevitable. The lens of the eye thickens, stiffens and becomes less able to focus on close objects, like words in a book. Tooth loss becomes more common. High-pitched sounds become harder to hear, making it difficult to understand voices clearly at times. Your parent’s sense of balance may not be as keen as it once was, increasing their risk for trips and falls. Their mobility may be affected due to surgery, joint stiffness or muscle weakness. As unpleasant as it may be, urinary incontinence could be a common sign of aging due to weakening bladder muscles.

How to help your parent: Routine visits to a physician and dentist, staying active, and maintaining a balanced, healthy diet may not stop the aging process, but these actions will help your parent age well and mitigate chronic health problems. Support your parent by encouraging checkups, exercising with them and trying out new, wholesome recipes together.

As you assist your parent, be patient. Ask how he or she would like you to help them. Sometimes even the most well-intended help can spur resistance at first. Stay resilient and don’t hesitate to ask for support when needed.

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

Winter Safety Tips for Seniors

Older man cleaning the snow off his car

For many, winter is the happiest time of the year. Families gather for the holidays and friends celebrate as they usher in another new year. Winter can also be a difficult time for older adults. The onset of cold weather can create hazardous conditions outside, and people often prefer to stay home when it’s more pleasant indoors, which can lead to social isolation and depression. Here are a few tips on how to maintain senior safety this winter.

Prepare for snow and ice

Whenever snow or ice appear in the forecast, bundle up with gloves, a heavy coat, a scarf, or other warm clothes to protect you from the cold. Wear shoes with non-skid soles, take your car in for regular check-ups and make sure that your snowblower is working. Put ice scrapers in your cars and keep shovels and a bucket of rock salt or other de-icing salt at the ready.

This last point is important, because an estimated 36 million older adults fall each year and slips and falls can cause serious injuries in older adults. So if you think it’s safe enough to go to outside but you’re still leery about driving, don’t hesitate to ask friends, family or neighbors to give you a ride or help with errands.

Stock up on food and blankets

When your front walk is crusted over with ice and you’ve heard news reports about accidents on the highways, it’s probably best to stay indoors. One measure you can take to ensure that you’re equipped to wait out the weather is to stockpile water bottles, a pantry of groceries (including non-perishable items like canned meats, vegetables and soups), and a week’s worth of medication. And be sure to keep warm blankets and extra layers of clothing in the house.

Make sure your generator’s working

Blizzards and snowstorms may sound picturesque, but winter weather can down power lines and snap off the electricity inside your home. To be prepared for a power outage, buy a portable generator, which should keep your electricity running even if you get cut off from your main power sources. Store a flashlight and extra batteries in an easy-to-reach place like a bedside table, buy a food thermometer, and assemble an emergency kit that might include extra cash, maps of your area and a first aid kit with relevant medications.

Connect with others

One aspect of senior safety that has more to do with mental rather than physical health is staying connected with others. People tend to stay indoors more often during the winter, but whenever you have the chance to catch up with friends and family, try to stay connected and engaged.

Call or Zoom with children or grandchildren who are out of town. When the weather permits, go mall-walking with a friend, join a book club, or have dinner at a neighbor’s house. Take every opportunity to stay active and invigorated with other people’s company, because a healthy social life correlates with fewer feelings of negativity – which is a great way to ward off the winter blues.

Keep safe this winter

At Atria, we understand the importance of social connection for older adults especially during a season when it’s harder for older adults to go outside. That’s why Atria residents enjoy winter events such as movies, workshops, group outings and engaging holiday programs – while maintaining flu and COVID health and safety measures.

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

How to reinvent yourself after retirement

Older woman painting

“After all that you’ve done in life, there’s still plenty of life to live. Each day, I continue to embrace life, pursue purpose and be open for adventure. It’s not always easy, but when I reflect over each experience, it’s always worth it.”

The quote above is from Atria’s longtime friend Billie Jean King, a celebrated tennis champion and equal-rights activist. Billie Jean recently sat down with three Atria residents and asked them how they’re redefining aging, which you can learn more about in our Next Chapter video series. 

While their answers were as unique as each of their life stories, a common thread was woven between them. Each resident saw retirement as a both a time for reflection and for looking ahead – an opportunity to pursue new interests and reinvent themselves. Based on what they shared, and others have told us, we’ve compiled a few tips to help with your own reinvention.

Escape the clutter

By the time you’ve reached retirement, you’ve no doubt acquired a lot of “stuff.” While some possessions hold deep sentimental value, getting rid of – or donating – less cherished household items is often very freeing. Downsizing typically means less home maintenance, which frees up time for more joyful pursuits. In fact, many older adults have found that it actually changed their outlook on life and made them more open to new possibilities.

Go back to the future

Reflecting on your past can help shape your future. What experiences brought you the most joy? Consider rekindling your passions for old hobbies or taking up a new one. Maybe there was something you’ve always wanted to try, like gardening, Thai Chi, playing the piano or painting, but never found the time to pursue.

Whatever you decide on, remember that you don’t have to jump in feet first – baby steps are fine. Whether it’s talking about your interests with others, reading up about it, or acquiring any supplies that may be needed, your journey of reinvention starts with a single step.

Connect with others

Wherever your interests take you, having others to share your time and experiences with fosters a renewed sense of self. Seek out volunteer opportunities, join a club, sign up for a community class or attend a lecture. And be sure to reach out to others – as the saying goes, a stranger is a friend you don’t yet know.

Studies have shown that socialization improves well-being in older adults. That’s why Atria created the Engage Life® program to provide residents daily opportunities to express themselves creatively, connect with each other and nature, have fun, and stay fit with events that are tailored to meet their particular interests.

Get the support you need

At Atria, new chapters of life unfold each day, and living in a senior community can help you get the most out of retirement. Our vibrant communities offer engaging events and a welcoming environment where you can grow, stay active and connect with the world. With a wealth of experience and wisdom behind you and many opportunities ahead, we’ll help see that you’re well equipped to reinvent yourself for your next chapter.

As Billie Jean King says, “Don’t be afraid to try something new or even start all over. I encourage you to go all in. Make this next chapter of your life better than the last.”

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

How to winterize your home

Three seniors enjoying coffee together

Winter is a few weeks away, and for many seniors and homeowners in the US, that means another season of inclement weather outdoors – and a few months spent checking that everything’s working properly indoors. Here are a few tips on how to winterize your home and avoid the challenges that can occur when the snow falls and the air freezes:

Take a look at your heating system

A lot can happen to an HVAC system over the course of a year. Dust can build up. Parts can break. Filters can clog. So when homeowners turn on their heating systems after being dormant for months, they may discover an issue they didn’t anticipate. Before it gets to that point, turn it on in advance to make sure everything’s working properly.

Hire an HVAC company to inspect the ducts, furnace, and other heating systems in your house, and cover up any outside A/C units to shield them from snow and ice build-up. Once your HVAC is running properly, keep your heat set to at least 68–70°F.

Protect your pipes

Another reason to set your thermostat to 68–70°F is to make sure that your pipes don’t freeze. Burst pipes are one of the most frequent causes of property damage during the winter and can cost upwards of $5,000 in water damage. If you leave town for the holidays, you can turn the temperature down to 55°F, but don’t dial it down any further. Open the doors inside your house so that warm air can circulate. Let cold water drip from a faucet to keep water moving through your pipes.

Inspect your chimney

A fireplace is one of the joys of wintertime. If your chimney flue is closed, however, a fireplace or other gas heater might emit exhaust in your house, which may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide poisoning detector or buy another one if it’s defunct or seems not to be working. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and make an appointment for someone to inspect your chimney when the weather turns cold.

Eliminate any cold drafts

Ask someone to inspect the crawl space, the attic, or any other hard-to-get areas to make sure that all the nooks and crannies of your house are adequately insulated. While they’re in your house, see if they can plug up any chilly drafts that may let the cold air in and seal up any cracks or holes with caulk. Consider installing a storm-door or weather-proof the windows. Replace any breezy summer curtains with heavier winter drapes.

Clean out your gutters

Another way to winterize your home is to ask a relative or a neighbor – or hire a gutter cleaning company – to clear out leaves, mud or sticks that may be clogging your gutters. Water finds its way into the tiniest cracks and holes in any home, and the accumulation of debris can cause rain and snow runoff to pool and seep into the roof, walls and even the foundation of your house.

A good choice this winter

Winter should be a cozy time for all of us. At Atria, our communities are furnished with all the comforts of home and equipped with the safety measures that come with being part of a senior living community. We know how to winterize our communities to create a home for residents that assures they’re safe and snug indoors when it’s sleeting and snowy outdoors.

Visit AtriaWinterWellness.com to learn more about how we’re keeping residents safe this winter.

Categories
Caregiving

Why choose respite during winter

Three senior enjoying a meal together

Respite is a short-term care option for older adults who want to try out senior living full-time, give their caregivers time off or need a place to recover after a surgery. Read on for some of the benefits that respite can provide as the holiday season approaches.

What’s included in respite?

Before we launch into all the reasons respite might be a good option for older adults, let’s delve into some of the services that respite providers typically offer.

A fully furnished apartment

Choosing respite means that older adults only have to bring clothes or other personal items – all the furniture and accommodations are already set up for them.

Engagement

Senior living communities provide a space for older adults to stay connected with one another, with their families and with staff.

Assistance with activities of daily living

Trained staff members assist with eating, bathing, dressing, medication management and other essential tasks that must be completed every day.

Dining experiences

Culinary teams prepare dishes – or incorporate doctor-recommended foods into meals – up to three times a day. Some senior living providers also offer table service with locally sourced ingredients.

All these services might be performed in a senior living community, among other places. If you’re noticing that daily tasks are becoming more difficult for your parent, consider talking to a senior living community to see whether they offer short-term stay options. If they do, trying a short-term stay may be a great way to explore the start of your family’s next chapter.

Prevent the spread of flu and cold

An added benefit of respite during winter is that it can minimize the transmission of the flu and common cold. If a family member who is acting as a caregiver comes down with a fever but still has to bathe or cook for an older adult, that older adult may catch the caregiver’s virus – which can be a serious health concern for seniors. A respite worker in a senior living community who is flu-free, however, could perform the same functions while reducing the chances of spreading illnesses. Additionally, respite workers in a senior living community may set up vaccination clinics, which can help curb the prevalence of any viruses in that community.

Ward off those winter blues

All the evenings spent indoors during the winter can make anyone feel isolated and melancholic. A case of the winter blues is distressing enough, but for people living with dementia, those symptoms can manifest in a condition called “sundown syndrome.” As many as 20% of individuals with Alzheimer’s have sundown syndrome, which may lead to anxiety, mood swings and delusions. Luckily, a professional at a senior living community can help older adults keep active and engaged with other residents – which can provide immense health and cognitive benefits.

Care for the caregivers

Caregivers often fulfill their roles out of deep-rooted love and fidelity, but – like everyone else – they need time off to recharge and reset. Respite can help caregivers spend time with other friends and family, catch up on sleep, go to appointments with their doctors or vacation in a warm climate during the winter to restore their energy.

Choose Atria this winter

The abundant activities and delicious culinary options available in Atria communities make them delightful places to call home year-round. But over the next few months, consider looking into our short-term stay options where guests enjoy a sampling of resident life. The accommodations include weekly linen services, private apartments with alert systems, a vibrant social calendar, transportation to and from appointments and chef-prepared meals in the dining room or with room service. Stay as long as you’d like – and enjoy the warm ambience of Atria this winter.

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

Billie Jean King and Atria residents redefine aging

Image of Billie Jean King talking with an Atria Senior Living Resident

People are living longer than ever before, and more older adults than ever are reimagining their next chapter of life. Together, legendary tennis champion Billie Jean King and Atria Senior Living residents are harnessing their wisdom and fervor for pursuing passions and goals to be bold in authoring the next chapter of their life story – regardless of age.

American sports icon, humanitarian and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Billie Jean King recounts in her recent book, All In, the many hurdles she has overcome in writing her own life story. “There’s no greater satisfaction and joy than boldly being yourself or redefining a life chapter – at any age,” King said. “I am inspired by the thousands of older adults who champion their own life story.”

Atria residents writing their next chapter

Billie Jean King recently sat down with three Atria residents to talk about their inspiring life stories, their hopes for what’s next in life and their shared wisdom.

For 94-year-old Sarah, she reflects most on staying true to herself and her chapter of supporting her family as an artist and sculptor. It’s a theme that King connected with as the women’s movement was the cultural moment for many highlights of her long career. Both Billie Jean and Sarah, who is a resident at Atria on Roslyn Harbor, continue their passions by picking up a tennis racket and a paint brush, respectively, every week.

In Queens, New York, Ira failed music class as a student. But today at 77 years old, he leads the Music & Memories program at Atria Forest Hills. His adventurous spirit means artists along the likes of Lady Gaga, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, and Louis Armstrong are featured in each of his classes.

At Atria Tanglewood, Nanci most enjoys discovering what each day will bring. In retirement, she learned to paint, founded a short story writing group with her neighbors, serves as Resident Council President and volunteers often with elementary school students, who she considers her grandchildren.

Inspiring others to rewrite their lives

“We believe people belong together. It is awe-inspiring how the older adults who call Atria home are rewriting what it means to pursue passions, regardless of age or the perception of age,” said Justin Guest, Vice President of Resident Engagement at Atria Senior Living. “We applaud their boldness, celebrate their accomplishments and encourage others to bravely author their life chapter – at whatever age.”

Categories
Senior Aging & Health

Flu and cold prevention for seniors

Older woman receiving a vaccine from a nurse

Fall marks the beginning of flu season in the United States, and adults who are 65 and older are one of the groups at higher risk of developing flu-related symptoms. Because immunity tends to decrease more quickly in older adults, it’s important to talk to a physician about getting a flu shot for seniors this fall. Read on for an overview of how to prevent getting the flu and the common cold, symptoms of each, and ways to treat yourself if you do get sick.

How to Prevent Getting the Flu and Colds

The best way to prevent getting the flu or a cold is to schedule an appointment for a vaccination. No vaccine is completely effective, but studies suggest that a standard flu shot reduces the risk of contracting the flu by 40–60%. Flu vaccines for seniors are recommended for people ages 65 and older.  Medicare, and most insurance plans, cover flu shots, but prices will vary according to the type of vaccine administered.

When you get your flu shot, ask about being vaccinated against pneumonia, which can become a serious health concern. Pneumonia accounts for 30–40% of all hospitalizations among older adults, and often occurs during a patient’s recovery from the flu or a cold – people start to feel better, only to develop a cough and a fever. In addition to flu and pneumonia vaccines, maintaining these hygienic habits are excellent prevention measures:

  • Wear a face mask.
  • Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
  • Keep away from sick people and crowded areas.
  • Disinfect surfaces in your home or apartment – doorknobs, counters, telephones, etc.

Signs and Symptoms

Both flu and cold are contagious respiratory illnesses, but while influenza viruses cause the flu, a broader range of viruses – parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and seasonal coronaviruses – can cause the common cold. The signs and symptoms vary, as well. Let’s start with symptoms of both:

  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion
  • Runny nose

These are flu symptoms, which are often more intense than the symptoms of a common cold:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Fever and Chills
  • Unsteadiness or Weakness
  • Muscle Pain, Body Aches, Chest Discomfort
  • Worsening of Preexisting and Chronic Conditions

This list is not exhaustive, but merely a sampling of some flu symptoms that may present, which generally come on quickly – sometimes 1–4 days following exposure to the virus. (Symptoms of a cold tend to develop more slowly and include sneezing and coughing, but not a fever.) If you’re over 65 and notice these symptoms, call your doctor at once. If you consult with a physician within 48 hours of your first symptom, your physician may prescribe an antiviral medication, which can help alleviate the severity of your illness.

How to Treat Flu and Colds

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the flu or the cold, so consult with a medical professional regarding the best course of action to treat those viruses. A physician may prescribe over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) for symptoms of pain and fever, or other medications to treat secondary infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, or ear and sinus infections. Doctors also generally recommend getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of liquids, and even eating a bowl of chicken soup.

Stay Prepared

At Atria, safety is our first priority. Healthy dining and fitness classes are part of every Atria community, and we provide on-site clinics and flu vaccines to residents during the fall and winter. Furthermore, 99% of Atria’s US employees are vaccinated from COVID-19, and our communities are enrolled in the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. That ensures Atria residents receive top priority – and it means Atria is a safe place for older adults who want to live with peace of mind this winter.

Categories
Making the Decision

How a senior community can help you enjoy retirement

Three images of Atria Senior Living residents

There are many articles and even entire books devoted to helping you enjoy your retirement. While the specific guidance they offer for active senior living varies, they generally have these two points in common: the importance of relationships and of finding purpose in daily life.

At Atria, our vibrant senior living communities provide daily opportunities for the kind of meaningful connection and expanded learning that support creating a purposeful life. These topics are discussed in our Next Chapter series, which explores how residents are making the most of their retirement – and how Atria fosters their ability to do what they love. Here’s a look at how these older adults are enjoying retirement.

Colorful connections

“When you live as long as I have lived – for 94 years – you live many lives within one life.”

That 94-year old is Sarah, a passionate artist and Atria on Roslyn Harbor resident. Her many lives include raising a family and being an accomplished illustrator, teacher and fine artist specializing in sculpture and painting.

Sarah says she lives her life as though she’s going to live forever, because she doesn’t want to think that her age is holding her back from pursuing what brings her joy. For Sarah, this joy includes spending time with family and her continued passion for painting.

Atria is delighted to support Sarah’s interests and to offer our community as a venue for her upcoming art show. Living at Atria has also helped her develop some very dear friendships. As Sarah explains, she was living alone, but the wonderful friends and community staff bring her a sense of security and make her feel like she’s part of a family.

The power of music

“Music is life itself,” is a Louis Armstrong quote that resonates deeply with Ira. When he made the move to Atria, music was Ira’s key to making new friends and renewing his sense of purpose.

Music was a powerful bond between Ira and his father, and it’s what inspired him to create a music appreciation group called Musical Memories. Beth, the Engage Life Director at Atria Forest Hills, encouraged Ira every step of the way. Soon, others were looking forward to tapping their feet, clapping their hands and singing along to Ira’s playlist at the group’s regular gatherings.

Atria helped Ira share his childhood joy and fostered meaning in his life through the many new friends he’s touched with his love of music.

Inspiring others

“I’m finally the person I’ve always wanted to be.”

Nanci, a resident at Atria Tanglewood, expressed this sentiment while reflecting on her life – a life filled with great joy and the intense challenges she faced after being diagnosed with Lupus in her 20s. After raising a family as a single mother, Nanci later remarried. When her second husband passed, she made Atria her home.

The person Nanci has become is one who is sharing her love of the written word by reading to the first-grade students at a local school. She is finishing up a very special storybook – a gift to the many enthusiastic children who so enjoy her regular visits.

Nanci appreciates the support Atria provides and regards the community staff as family. In addition to volunteering at the school, she has found meaning in serving on the resident counsel and helping new residents discover the many opportunities her vibrant community offers.

A personal pursuit

Retirement is a time to learn fun new things and share one’s passions with others. Atria is delighted to support the interests of so many of the world’s wisest people, like Dorothy, who recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of publishing a second book.

Then there’s Sarah’s community neighbors Eleanor, Doris and Phyllis, New York natives who became fast friends at Atria but have very different interests; Shirley, who enjoys sharing her love of film with her neighbors; Bob, a veteran who just took the flight of a lifetime; and Linda, who loves teaching her Atria neighbors how to make beautiful watercolor paintings.

As these residents’ experiences show us, retirement is truly a time to begin writing your next chapter. Atria is dedicated to providing the support and opportunities to make retirement as enjoyable and gratifying as it can be.