REASONS TO CHOOSE AN ESTABLISHED MYRTLE BEACH SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

While many seniors and caregivers agree with the idea of “aging in place”, assisted living facilities offer many benefits that aren’t always available to those who live at home. Senior Living Communities offer many amenities that can improve your quality of living and prolong your life expectancy. These are the top four benefits of choosing a senior living community.

1. Safety and Security

Safety is a major concern when you are aging in your own home. Older adults who live alone face many dangers, including falls and prescription errors, and burglary. Assisted living facilities offer a safer and more pleasant environment for the elderly.

Many apartment buildings offer emergency services to residents in case of an emergency. For your loved one’s support in daily life and in an emergency, direct care personnel are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

2. A Vibrant Social Life

Many older adults fear losing touch with their loved ones if they move into assisted living. However, this is not usually the case. Senior living residents have the chance to make new friends with staff, fellow residents, and volunteers every day. Events and activities are great ways to meet new people because they offer many opportunities for discussion and fellowship.

Participating in group activities such as a book club or cooking class is a great way to stay physically active and mentally stimulated. Your loved one might engage in one-to-one interactions with others through coffee conversations, card games, and socials.

3. Living a Holistic Life

Many retirement communities offer services that cater to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of their residents. In a setting that focuses on the individual’s overall well-being, such as a retirement community that offers high-quality care and a happy lifestyle, it may be possible to provide a high level of care. Services are offered to allow residents to live life to the fullest extent and to meet their specific needs.

We also consider the spiritual and emotional concerns of residents. Spiritual assistance is crucial in creating a resident-centered community. Many senior living communities offer ongoing care or aged-in-place options to meet the changing needs, wants, and interests of their residents.

4. Many options for personal care

As we age, many daily chores become more difficult. The strain on seniors and their families can be immense when it comes to ADLs like dressing, eating, and using the bathroom. Seniors can live a full life if they don’t have to worry about the small things.

Senior living communities in Myrtle Beach often have licensed nursing assistants available to assist those who are in constant need. The staff can assist residents with everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, and eating. They are essential because they assist those who require them, as well as seniors who may just need reminders to take their prescribed medications.

Conclusion

The best senior living facility may not be right for everyone. Every neighborhood is as unique as the people who call it home. Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest may be the right choice for you if you’re looking for senior living.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest offers a variety of services that are specifically tailored to the needs of those who live with us. Our staff is highly trained in caring for the elderly. For more information, please contact us today!

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Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

SELLING A HOUSE TO FUND LONG-TERM SENIOR CARE

Senior care is essential for many older adults, regardless of whether they need in-home care or full-time care at a nursing home. The cost of senior care can be a concern for seniors who are on Social Security and have limited pension benefits.

Senior care is becoming more costly due to rising inflation. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in the United States spend an average of $4500 per month on assisted living and $7,908 for semiprivate rooms in a nursing home.

Many seniors have decided to sell their homes in order to pay for the care they require. Selling a home can be complicated, especially for seniors who are dependent on government benefits. This guide will help you organize and make smart decisions about everything.

When is the best time to sell your parent’s home to pay for senior care in Myrtle Beach?

When selling your parent’s house to pay for senior care, timing is key. It can take months to list the home, which could leave your family responsible to pay property taxes, utility bills, and other expenses. It is possible to deprive your parent of the chance to stay in the house as long as possible by listing it too soon.

Before Senior Living

There are several reasons to consider selling your home before your parent can move into a senior living facility:

• They are unable to pay their mortgage payments or property taxes.
• You may have to wait several months for an offer because of the high supply and limited demand in your area.
• You or another relative will be moving in with your parent. This gives you plenty of time to put the house on the market and wait for a reasonable offer.

After Senior Living

It may make more sense to sell your home after your parent moves into a senior living facility. These are just a few examples:

• If your parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, it would be difficult to sell the house while they are still living there.
• Before you can schedule showings, you will need to make changes or clean out years of clutter. If no one is living in the house, it’s easier to clean and remodel.
• Your parent doesn’t want to have the responsibility of tidying up and making yourself presentable for anyone who visits your house.
• Your parent has just been discharged from a rehabilitation center or hospital and cannot return home without putting his/her safety and health at risk.
• To decorate your house, you will need to hire a professional home stager. This will increase the likelihood of getting multiple offers beyond what you paid. It is easier to stage a house after the owner has moved out.

Particular Considerations when Selling a Home to a Person with Dementia

The legal owner usually is the only one who can sell real estate. You may have to make arrangements for them to make sales decisions. You have two options: guardianship and power of attorney.

Power of attorney

A financial power of attorney allows someone to manage the finances of another person. You can perform many tasks such as selling assets, managing a bank account, paying bills, and filing tax returns. You should arrange POA as soon as you have been diagnosed with dementia. Your parent may not be able to sign the documents if they are unable to do so.

Guardianship

Guardianship is more complicated than power of attorney. This makes it more costly and time-consuming. A judge will appoint a guardian and conservator to help an older person make their decisions. The conservator and guardian are often the same people. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be this way. It is possible to be the conservator and guardian if you have a trusted sibling.

You are a guardian for your parent’s parent if you are appointed by the court. This means that you must act in their best interests and not yours. You also have a duty as a guardian to the court. Full guardianship allows the appointed guardian to make any decision for the elder person. Limited guardianships can be more restrictive because the guardian cannot make any decisions except as provided in a court order.

It can be difficult having to move your loved ones into assisted living. However, we’re here to help. Visit Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to find out more.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

SENIOR CARE – HOW TO BE MORE COMPASSIONATE

All ages can feel compassion. It is a natural instinct in all of us. If anyone deserves to be treated with the greatest respect, it should be the elderly. They have made it possible and provided the comforts that younger people may take for granted. It is as easy as showing compassion by caring, showing kindness, and offering support to ease discomfort. Here are some senior care tips and ways to show compassion to older adults:

Enhance the environment

Compassionate care is about helping loved ones to feel better. This can be done by making the environment more peaceful and relaxing. You can reduce background noise, eliminate distractions, and provide distance between you and your patient when you speak.

Recognize and assess deficits

Seniors with dementia may experience memory lapses or become delusional. This can make it difficult to provide the best care for your loved one. You can help them recognize their concerns and assess their needs. Effective communication techniques can be used to help seniors with hearing impairments. This will prevent them from being startled when they are eating, watching TV, or resting.

Be positive

Positive attitudes are known to lead to positive outcomes, which is important when caring for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. How others feel can be affected by our choices of words, actions, and environments. Research shows that people with positive attitudes are half as likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia in older adults than those who do not. Positive attitudes can make older adults feel more at ease and improve their overall well-being.

Engage more often

It makes older adults feel more comfortable around you when you interact with them. It can be overwhelming to care for someone in crisis. But try to make it easier by engaging with them more often. Spend some time with them to share stories and interact with their interests. This will make them feel better and can even help to rekindle relationships that have been broken or spark new ones.

At Reflections Assisted Living, we understand the importance of providing compassionate care to our seniors and strive to do just that. Our Director Of Resident Care, Chelsea Jordon, explains that, “Compassion is when you gain the desire to help someone who is not doing well and could use a helping hand. We make sure to train all staff members to be able to provide the best quality care, while understanding how to be compassionate while doing so.” Our expertise and forward-thinking philosophy drive us to continue providing the very best care for families and their loved ones.

Seniors require special care and every individual is unique. Visit Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to find out more about our assisted living community and other services.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

ASSISTED LIVING TIPS – CARING FOR SENIORS WITH OBESITY

As they age, seniors experience many physical changes. Some of these changes, such as the loss of muscle mass, makes it difficult for seniors to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a problem for many older adults and their caregivers. Obesity doesn’t necessarily mean failing, but it is important for seniors to recognize the health risks associated with it. Obese people are more likely to have high blood pressure, type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood sugar. Obesity can also increase the risk of obstructive sleeping apnea and cancer, as well as poor physical functioning. However, with the right assisted living facility, seniors with obesity can get the care and assistance they need.

Despite these risks, obesity is still a common medical condition in the United States. It affects 41.5%, or 60 million, of the population. Due to their higher risk of developing heart disease or other complications, obese people also have higher medical expenses. Some seniors are also subject to weight bias when they visit the doctor, participate in community events, or engage in other activities. Weight bias refers specifically to negative attitudes, judgments, and discriminatory actions that are directed at overweight or obese people.

This guide will explain how older adults with obesity may benefit from moving to an assisted living facility in Myrtle Beach. This guide includes tips on advocating for seniors with this medical condition, a listing of senior communities that offer programs for residents with obese residents, and many resources to help seniors, their caregivers, and learn more about nutrition, fitness, and other topics.

Benefits of assisted living for people with obesity

Seniors who can’t drive or have difficulty getting to the local shops may turn to frozen meals and other convenience foods to manage their caloric intake. Other health conditions, such as arthritis, muscle weakness, and other ailments, may make it difficult for seniors to shop for the ingredients and prepare healthy meals. This can increase the risk of obesity.

In addition to obesity, a lack of exercise can also play a part in its development. Seniors with disabilities might not be able to walk long distances or exercise more than a few minutes each day. Older adults may be hesitant to exercise due to poor balance, muscle weakness, and other issues that can come with aging.

Senior living can solve many of these problems. These are just some of the weight-related advantages of moving to a senior living facility:

• Meal plans: Many communities offer meal programs that can be customized to meet your nutritional needs. You may be able ask the dining services staff to prepare low-calorie meals or to omit certain ingredients.
• Social connection: It can be difficult to keep motivated if you live alone when it comes to exercise or following a diet. Senior living communities offer opportunities to make new friends and have accountability partners to help you lose weight. Exercise is safer when you have a friend to help you.
• Planned activities: these are great ways to get around in senior living communities. You may find fitness classes, cooking classes, and other activities in your local community that will help you understand what you should be eating and how much exercise you need.
• On-site rehabilitation: Some communities offer physical therapy on-site. A physical therapist can help you recover strength and improve your physical function if you have an injury or chronic medical condition that has prevented you from exercising. You may find it easier and more enjoyable to exercise as you heal. This can then lead to weight loss.
• Health monitoring: It’s important to monitor your weight loss efforts over time. Many communities offer on-site monitoring that may include weigh-ins, blood pressure checks, and glucose monitoring. These services can help you determine if your approach to losing weight or maintaining good health needs tweaking.

What to Look for in a Senior Living Facility for Someone with Obesity

It is important to find senior living communities that offer nutritious food and programs to help you lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest offers just that. Visit our website to know more about the services we offer or contact us today.

Visit Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to find out more about our assisted living community and other services.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ASSISTED LIVING & INDEPENDENT LIVING

Each loved one is different, so their care needs are unique. You need to be aware of all options available and distinguish between them in order to find the right senior living option. There are many options for elder care. Independent living is a type for active, independent seniors who want to live in a community with other senior citizens, but without having to worry about home maintenance. Assisted living is a step beyond independent living. Assistive living communities provide the same benefits and more complete care for seniors who require assistance with daily activities like dressing, bathing, or preparing meals. To compare the amenities and services offered by assisted living and independent living, take a closer look:

Independent living vs. assisted living

Independent living communities offer apartments or small homes with full amenities. Apartments in assisted living communities have fewer amenities and more safety features.

Independent living: Housing options

Independent living encompasses many housing options, including housing co-ops and apartment-style communities. Residents live in their own homes and have access to communal areas that allow them to meet other members of the community.

These are just a few other ways that people refer to independent living:

• Active adult community
• Apartment complex for seniors
• Retirement community
• 55+ community
• Retirement home

This option is for seniors who are able to live independently. The features and amenities found in the individual units are comparable with those in an apartment, small home, townhouse, or apartment.

Assisted living: Housing options

Apartment-style assisted living is the most common arrangement. There are many floor plans available at assisted living facilities, including apartments with multiple bedrooms, studios, and one-bedroom units. Although individual units might have a kitchenette, appliances are usually limited because of safety concerns. Safety and accessibility features such as grab bars or emergency call buttons are common in rooms.

Security measures are often enhanced in assisted living communities that have memory care units that cater to seniors with cognitive impairment. This could include locking and surveillance equipment, or supervision at the main entrances.

Independent vs. assisted living care and services

The level of support and medical care provided is a key distinction between assisted living communities and independent living communities.

Services for independent living

Independent living facilities are designed to simplify the lives of their residents and allow them to continue to live independently for as long as they can. Independent living services are designed to reduce seniors’ daily responsibilities. They do not provide medical care or activities of daily living (ADLs).

These settings offer a variety of services including landscaping, laundry and housekeeping, on-site dining, security surveillance, and security guarding. They do not have full-time staff to provide custodial or medical care.

Services for assisted living

Assisted living is for older adults who require assistance with ADLs such as dressing and bathing, and other instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), like medication management and laundry.

Most residences have staff members available 24 hours a day, which typically include a certified nurse practitioner and at least one doctor. However, assisted living communities don’t usually provide skilled nursing care or intensive hands-on care for seniors with serious mental or physical conditions.

Independent and assisted living facilities in Myrtle Beach

Independent living and assisted living communities both offer unique social and recreational opportunities tailored to the needs of their residents. Games nights, field trips and support groups are some of the most common activities. Happy hours, holidays, continuing education classes, and exercise classes are also common. These communities offer transportation services to transport residents to and from their doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, and other errands.

What is the difference between assisted living communities and independent living?

Independent living communities can look more like small subdivisions or traditional apartment buildings with shared amenities. However, assisted living facilities are usually more centralized in one building with many amenities that can be integrated into residential spaces.

Design of independent living communities

Independent living communities are often designed in the style of traditional apartment buildings, housing campuses, or neighborhoods with common areas for dining and other activities. There may be more space between buildings in rural or suburban areas. Residents will need to move between their small homes and the dining hall, community center, or gym.

Independent living communities that are apartment-style may be built on multiple floors, similar to high-rise buildings. They often have elevator access and other amenities that are accessible to residents with mobility impairments.

Design of assisted living communities

Most assisted living communities can be self-contained with only a few buildings that can accommodate all residents’ needs. Apartments may share a common dining and activity area. Most communities have single-floor buildings that are widening the doorways and lower thresholds to make it easier for residents with mobility issues. Assisted living facilities also have dedicated memory care and may also have a secure wing for dementia residents.

Struggling to choose between independent and assisted living? Contact Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today! We’ll help you decide.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

ASSISTED LIVING TIPS – HOW TO CARE FOR SENIORS WITH PARKINSON’S

It’s normal to wonder how a new diagnosis will affect a loved one. This is especially true if your loved one has Parkinson’s disease. This is because Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that can cause problems in both mental and physical functioning. This could pose a risk to seniors’ safety at home. People with Parkinson’s can also develop dementia, a decline in thinking and reasoning abilities that can make it more difficult to do certain activities. You may have to modify your home or develop new routines if your loved one is diagnosed with dementia. It’s easier to adapt when you are prepared for these changes. Adaptation can reduce stress and improve the quality of your loved one’s life. This guide gives an overview of important safety measures for seniors living with Parkinson’s disease. This guide also provides information on what to look out for in assisted living communities in Myrtle Beach if your loved ones have Parkinson’s disease.

Room-by-Room Home Modifications For Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease

It is important to do a thorough assessment of your home before making modifications. This checklist will help you identify safety concerns in each room.

Parkinson’s disease can have a significant impact on balance and coordination. This increases the likelihood of falling. Between 45% and 68% who suffer from Parkinson’s disease each year experience some form of fall. These falls can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and other serious consequences. It is also difficult to balance in cluttered spaces, which can lead to tripping over or bumping into objects. Some people with Parkinson’s have trouble cooking because of their shaking or other uncontrollable movements. This increases the chance of injury to knives and burns. Modifications can be made to reduce some of these risks, making your home safer. These are the top safety tips for seniors living with Parkinson’s disease:

Lighting

Parkinson’s disease can cause blurry vision, double vision, and other vision problems in some people. These symptoms may not disappear, but lighting modifications can be made to make it easier for loved ones to see. Use table lamps and floor lamps in rooms with low overhead lighting to brighten the room. To make it easier to see when you are preparing meals and putting dishes away, consider installing LED lights above countertops or inside your kitchen cabinets.

It can be beneficial to install light-switch extensions in every room of the house for seniors who are using wheelchairs or walkers. These extenders allow you to reach existing light switches from a sitting position. This may help reduce the chance of falling. You can add chains or longer cords to overhead lights that don’t have a switch.

Flooring

Parkinson’s disease is known for its common symptom, Parkinsonian gait. This symptom can cause people to shuffle their feet while walking or freeze before they take a step. It may make it more difficult for loved ones to navigate each room because they might be stooped while walking. You can reduce the chance of falling by replacing thick carpeting with hard flooring or thin carpeting. Because people who shuffle often don’t pick their feet up when they walk, deep-pile carpeting is not recommended. This increases the chance of tripping over the thicker surface. Deep-pile carpeting also makes it more difficult to use wheelchairs and walkers.

Furniture

You may need to replace the furniture in your loved one’s home depending on the severity of the disorder. You might consider adding a lift chair recliner in your living room. Because of its comfort and positioning, this type of chair is often used to sleep as the disease progresses. The chair has an internal motor that lifts it up and down. This makes it easier for older people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders to get in and out of the chair.

What to Look for in a Senior Living Facility for a Loved One with Parkinson’s

It is important that you and your loved ones decide on a senior living facility that will provide the best care for those with Parkinson’s disease. Here are some things to look out for:

• There are specialists available: Residents should have the ability to access a neurologist if they don’t live in the same area. In the event that residents have worsening symptoms, it is helpful to have easy access to an imaging center or hospital.
• 24-hour supervision: Although your loved one might not require a staff member to be present in their home at all hours, it is important that they have someone available to help them 24 hours a day. Staff members can help with daily activities, occupational therapy, off-site medical care, or other duties to ensure your loved one is safe.
• Experienced caregivers: These are the best programs that have qualified staff to care for residents and provide support. Senior living communities offer Parkinson’s-specific training for staff to better help residents with this diagnosis. They also provide assistance in recognizing signs and symptoms of disease progression.
• Medication management: Seniors with Parkinson’s disease need to be well managed by their medication. Studies have shown that delays can cause “an immediate rise in symptoms.” Late medication administration can lead to confusion, loss of balance, worsening of tremors, and difficulty communicating. Senior living communities that emphasize timely medication administration are safer for Parkinson’s patients than those that delay medication frequently.
• Personalized care plans: Parkinson’s disease is not the same for everyone. Individualized care is essential to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Because symptoms vary in severity and frequency, personalized care is crucial. Staff members may be able to detect when residents are suffering from worsening symptoms by providing individualized care.

Assisted Living Facilities that Offer Parkinson’s Care and Management

Assisted living communities offer support 24 hours a day. They also provide a variety of amenities and services to help people with Parkinson’s disease. Some communities offer specialized Parkinson’s care programs that provide extra support for residents to manage their symptoms and maintain as much neurological function as possible.

Visit Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to find out more about our assisted living community and other services.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY FAQS

It is difficult to choose the right assisted living community for you or your loved one. The factors that will determine the “right” community for you and your loved ones include your financial situation, care needs, personal preferences, and health status. There are many factors to consider when looking at assisted living facilities and many questions at that.

When choosing an assisted living community for you or your loved ones, it is normal to come up with a bunch of questions. It is important to answer all of your questions before signing up for a community. Getting all the answers you need will give you insights on how much being in a facility costs, the perks of being in assisted living in Myrtle Beach, and many more. Below are some frequently asked questions about assisted living that you should know about:

What is the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility?

There is a big difference between an assisted living facility and a nursing home. Nursing homes offer skilled medical care, while assisted living facilities don’t. Instead, assisted living facilities offer personal care services like housekeeping, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living. As such, nursing homes can provide better care for people who require regular medical care or therapy services.

What is the Average Cost of Assisted Living?

In the United States, assisted living costs on average $4,051 per month. It’s more costly than independent living but less expensive than skilled nursing. Costs for assisted living vary depending on where you live and the amenities available.

When is it time for assisted living?

It is generally considered that assisted living should be considered when the person cannot do their daily activities independently. Individuals will determine the “right time” to move into assisted living. Other than the need for assistance with ADLs and mobility issues, accidents or injuries in the home can indicate that assisted living is necessary.

What services are usually included in assisted living?

Assistive living usually includes personal care, meals prepared, housekeeping, and maintenance services. A monthly fee for an assisted living community often includes transportation. Assistive living communities usually do not offer high-end medical care or therapy services.

How do you choose an assisted living facility?

Consider your needs, budget, preferences, community culture, and preferences for amenities and features. To get a better idea of the facilities available in your area, it’s a good idea to conduct some research online. You can also visit your top picks in person or take a virtual tour.

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest to know more about assisted living and the services we offer.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/