Independent Living

What a year! The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all our lives in many ways. Now, thanks to available vaccines, society is taking steps to return to normalcy. Many older adults are starting to look into senior independent living communities following a year of isolation as the COVID-19 pandemic restricted family celebrations, closed businesses, cancelled activities …

In the past, senior care was focused on keeping older adults safe in clinical settings with little concern about mental and spiritual wellness. Today, senior living communities offer various levels of care delivered in elegant, upscale buildings and accommodations, boasting numerous amenities and ample life enrichment opportunities. When searching for senior living communities, the first …

For many people, being a caregiver for an aging parent can become complex. Gradually the demands of caregiving can overwhelm even the most dedicated families. But there are several solutions for these circumstances, and you don’t have to face them alone. In this post, we’ll share three recent comments from family members that our senior …

Moving to a retirement community is a major life change. Many people assume that if two spouses have different care needs, they cannot live together. Being separated from a life partner can result in temporary feelings of stress and anxiety and, in the long term, develop into loneliness, which has been shown to affect health …

Today’s senior living communities offer more care options than ever before. Despite this, misperceptions exist. Senior living communities are often mislabeled as “nursing homes,” sometimes referred to as dark, depressing places where residents sit around in wheelchairs with no one to talk to and nothing to do. This could not be further from the truth.

Simply living in independent living communities can reduce a senior’s fall risk We’ve all taken a tumble and most times the only casualty is our pride. However, as we age, falling can result in serious injury and in extreme cases, lead to premature death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 million …

Winter brings moments of seasonal beauty such as fresh snow draping tree branches and holiday lights, however, shorter days and cold weather also can bring on cabin fever. Despite the additional challenges that we all face during the COVID-19 pandemic, senior communities continue to offer opportunities for older adults to stay engaged and help make …

The holiday season is always surrounded by excitement. And although it’s nicknamed the most wonderful time of the year, there are many stresses that come with it as well. This year, the world is facing new stresses brought on by the pandemic. While many of us are adjusting to restrictions for the holidays, seniors in …

For adults with aging parents, there are several difficult – although necessary – conversations that must be had around planning for the future. One of those conversations is about making the transition to senior living. And with multiple care factors to consider and a range of options for independent living communities to choose from, this …

When reaching retirement age, seniors have many options to consider to optimize their senior living experience. From independent living amenities to assisted living and personal care, rehabilitation services and the ability to remain active in social circles, there are many factors that seniors look for to make their final decision. Our goal as one of …

The phrase, “driving is a privilege,” takes on new meaning as you age. This stern conversation is usually had with teenagers first getting their license as parents fear they may speed or be careless on the road. Older drivers, however, should focus on a set of concerns all their own as they pass retirement age. …

A good night’s sleep is so vital that the average healthy person will spend nearly one-third of their lives sleeping. As we age, it’s common that sleep patterns will change – although for some seniors, unfortunately, these sleep changes can prove to be harmful. Staying educated on the importance of sleep and healthy sleep patterns …

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 …

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 …

As part of Country Meadows’ Home Sweet Home Promise, our residents are encouraged to make their senior living experience as comfortable as possible. This can often mean having items in their new independent living apartment that remind them of home, including family pictures, treasured heirlooms, and even four-legged friends. That’s correct – Country Meadows is …

Family being unable to visit with their loved ones has been a difficult aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic. And as national Grandparents Day, September 13th, 2020, quickly approaches, many families are anxious to reconnect with those currently living at Country Meadows retirement communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland. With direction from the Department of Health, we have …

At Country Meadows, quality care and a family-like atmosphere are two attributes that will always remain constant. But as the world changes, some of our work behind the scenes has to evolve as well. One particular department that has had to stay on top of several aspects of this health crisis is our Information Technology …

The period between finding the right senior living community and moving in can be an emotional one. It’s a transformational time for any individual or couple as the next stage of life begins and a new lifestyle awaits. For many seniors, choosing a senior living community means making arrangements to sell a home – one …

Older generations can benefit greatly from being online and utilizing social media platforms. But because of its fast nature – between how quickly it keeps evolving and how savvy one needs to be to keep up with those changes – technology can seem incredibly overwhelming. Often times, it can leave new users frustrated or feeling …

Making the decision to enter a retirement community can be daunting. Between assisted living communities, memory support neighborhoods, active senior living communities and senior independent living, there are many different types of senior living to consider. And even when the right community is found, it can be difficult to understand what care options will be …