Health and Safety

Cold and flu season has always been a time of year to take extra health precautions. With unique risks this year due to the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to know exactly how to protect against common colds, the flu and any other illnesses that could affect the most vulnerable. For seniors in independent … Continue reading “How independent living communities can help seniors stay healthy as we move closer to the cold and flu season”

This week, from October 4th through October 10th, is National Fire Prevention Week. This annual observance is meant to highlight the importance of safety in the home and provide tips on how to prepare for an emergency. At Country Meadows, we take the safety of our residents very seriously. And 2020 has shown that safety … Continue reading “How a senior living community can be a safe living community”

Maryland and Pennsylvania retirement living communities, including Country Meadows, have been tirelessly working on how to give the best and most reliable care to residents during this fragile time. Thanks to our compassionate co-workers and our executive team members’ dedication, several of our campuses are ready to bring some normalcy back to our senior independent … Continue reading “Slowly and safely reopening our Maryland and Pennsylvania retirement living communities”

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced stay-at-home mandates across the state, it is a challenge to stay connected to family and friends as we remain separated. For seniors, especially those in active senior living communities with visitor restrictions like Country Meadows, finding ways to connect with others can be particularly difficult. With the help of … Continue reading “How seniors can stay socially connected during COVID-19 precautions”

As a family-owned senior independent living community, Country Meadows thrives on the core values instilled by generations of leadership that came before us. We treat our residents and our co-workers as family. We also believe that the variety of senior living options we offer is part of what makes our residents feel more at home … Continue reading “How Country Meadows remains a community in times of crisis”

America is in the midst of a pervasive disruption of life as the country battles an unprecedented health crisis, the likes of which few of us have ever seen before. COVID-19, or coronavirus as it’s commonly called, has become a global pandemic and Americans are bracing for the trauma a health crisis of this scale … Continue reading “How to talk to children about the Coronavirus pandemic: A guest blog by Executive Director of Spiritual Life at Country Meadows, Rev. Howard West”

It’s inevitable—as we get older, our health begins to change. We often spend our lives focused on caring for those around us, but it’s equally important to care for ourselves, too. Luckily, older Americans are remaining more active and fit longer, engaging in a wider variety of exercises than generations before them. Increased activity and … Continue reading “For American Diabetes Month, learn about potential warning signs and treatment for seniors with type 2 diabetes”

Incontinence is a topic of embarrassment for many seniors who experience it. And that’s an awful lot of people. Between a quarter and a third of adults in the United States are challenged by incontinence. But the problem is generally controllable once adults acknowledge the issue and seek professional assistance. With medical help, and sometimes … Continue reading “Hope for seniors with incontinence, on their own or in personal care homes”

The changing seasons bring bright fall foliage, happy holiday celebrations and time with loved ones. As the temperatures dip, however, a myriad of health concerns can arise in older adults that must be properly managed even in an active retirement community. One ailment that’s particularly worrisome for older adults in Pennsylvania retirement communities and elsewhere … Continue reading “The increasing prevalence of adult-onset asthma and the related symptoms”

We all can take steps to reduce stress in our lives, but doing so takes time and effort. At any age, and no matter how busy our schedule, we can assume some control over our stress levels by learning ways to relax. Doing so in retirement allows us to better enjoy our independent living lifestyle. … Continue reading “10 relaxation techniques for more stress-free independent living”

People who retain their vision, hearing and physical reflexes are driving today at ages beyond those of previous generations. But no matter how long you have been driving, you’re never too old to heed advice for safe driving. Follow these tips for safe driving (with input from the Mayo Clinic and HelpGuide.org): Stay physically active … Continue reading “Safety on the road makes for healthier, happier senior independent living”

Lisa Torchia has been VP of Clinical and Support Services at Country Meadows Retirement Communities since 2017. Her 30-year nursing career includes senior leadership roles at four hospitals, most recently 11 years at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill. With RN and MSN degrees, she has clinical experience in critical, intensive and coronary care. Why … Continue reading “Nurses in personal care and assisted living homes care for the whole person”

Mothers tend to put their family’s needs ahead of their own, and that can include health issues. So, on Mother’s Day this year, show Mom how much you care about her (just as she has through the years) and help her safeguard her own health and future. The life span of U.S. women continues to … Continue reading “Honor Mom with tips for good health from the senior communities at Country Meadows”

Managing prescription drugs can be difficult and even risky for seniors with memory issues, particularly if they live alone. Their risk for drug-related problems increases further as they age or take additional medications. Survey results released by AARP have shown that 80 percent of Americans ages 65 and older take at least two prescription drugs. … Continue reading “Assisted living or memory care services can help seniors manage their medications”

Cold weather months are the peak season for house fires and related injuries and deaths, with cooking and heating equipment as the main causes. Americans 65 and older account for just 15 percent of the population but make up 40 percent of fire deaths. Consider these sobering statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration: In 2017 … Continue reading “Retirement apartments in senior communities offer protection from fires”

Following surgery or illness, older adults aren’t always ready to immediately return to their homes. Many of them relocate to nursing homes, at least temporarily. But often, restorative care services can just as reliably—and less expensively—ease their transition from hospital or rehab to home. Research studies indicate that seniors who receive restorative care after hospitalization … Continue reading “Seniors recovering from surgery or illness have options beyond nursing homes”

This message may not be adorned with lace or ribbons, nor set within a big, red heart, but it is sent with love from us to you and all seniors—consider it our valentine to you! Here at Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Valentine’s Day prompts thoughts of healthy hearts during National Heart Month. We want our … Continue reading “Active senior living helps maintain heart health and prevent disability”

A resident at Country Meadows of Wyomissing uses his cane much less these days, despite having Parkinson’s disease. He credits a restorative fitness service newly available at the retirement community called Delay The Disease. We are the only retirement community in our service area with certified instructors leading the Delay the Disease™ program, the nation’s … Continue reading “Country Meadows Retirement Communities offers program targeting Parkinson’s symptoms”

Americans want to live healthier lives—at least, that’s the message sent by their New Year’s resolutions. Exercising more is the number one resolution for 2019, chosen by 13 percent of those surveyed, according to an NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll. That’s followed closely by quitting smoking, losing weight and eating healthier. And seniors are no exception. Older … Continue reading “A happy, fitter new year for seniors at active retirement communities”

Over the holidays, with more time spent together, some families begin discussing the idea of senior living communities. Though Mom or Dad could raise the issue, it’s more likely prompted by adult children who notice changes in their parents. (See our recent blog post on these “tough conversations.”) Older parents can be reluctant to consider … Continue reading “The best senior living communities shatter the myths (check us out and see)”