Independent Living

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 … Continue reading “How senior communities foster friendships and provide activities to keep seniors engaged”

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 … Continue reading “How seniors in retirement communities can minimize stress during the holidays”

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 … Continue reading “Talking to your parents about independent living communities”

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 … Continue reading “What makes Country Meadows one of the best independent living communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland”

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. … Continue reading “Older driver safety awareness: How independent living seniors can test if they’re still road-ready”

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 … Continue reading “How independent living seniors can improve their mind, attitude, energy levels and more through a good night’s sleep”

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”

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 … Continue reading “The value of pet-friendly independent living communities”

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 … Continue reading “How you can safely visit with your Grandparents in their senior living community”

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 … Continue reading “Why the best independent living communities need a strong technology team working behind the scenes”

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 … Continue reading “What’s the next step after choosing a senior living community?”

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 … Continue reading “Online and social media tips for senior independent living community residents”

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 … Continue reading “What is assisted living like within Country Meadows?”

At every Country Meadows campus across Pennsylvania and in Maryland, there is one common goal: to give residents the best senior living experience possible. That experience can look and feel different to many residents, however, which is why Country Meadows offers several different types of senior living arrangements, a variety of care options, and amenities … Continue reading “Independent living versus assisted living and personal care”

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”

Now under the third generation of family ownership and management, Country Meadows has consistently strived for one goal: caring for others. At each senior independent living community we own, fostering the well-being of residents is carried out on a daily basis, but behind-the-scenes, Country Meadows has worked hard to make all our co-workers feel supported … Continue reading “More than training: How Country Meadows supports co-workers within their senior independent living community”

Country Meadows is home for hundreds of seniors across eleven senior living communities in Pennsylvania, plus one in Frederick, Maryland. And during this time where home means something more, the teams at Country Meadows have been working hard putting new measures in place so residents don’t have to leave their independent living apartments for anything … Continue reading “How to ensure our senior independent living residents are getting proper nutrition in this current health climate”

There are many ways that seniors can protect themselves against the coronavirus, and in doing so, they can be at peace knowing they’re lowering their risk of getting the virus. One unintended symptom of avoiding COVID-19 that seniors are not so easily protected against is the stress surrounding the illness. Self-isolating and social distancing to … Continue reading “How seniors can maintain a peaceful environment to combat COVID-19 related stress”

When Katherine Thomas began her role as Vice President of Dining and Culinary Services at Country Meadows, she had a big task on her hands. The senior independent living community had decided to move all dining services in-house, parting ways with their outsourced dining contractor. Of course, creating a nutritious, well-balanced menu that worked for … Continue reading “How Country Meadows blends thoughtful dining in an active and social lifestyle retirement community”