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Independent living versus assisted living and personal care
July 14, 2020At 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 …
Read MoreHow to talk to children about the Coronavirus pandemic: A guest blog by Executive Director of Spiritual Life at Country Meadows, Rev. Howard West
March 25, 2020America 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 …
Read More10 relaxation techniques for more stress-free independent living
August 30, 2019We 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. …
Read MoreHiring individuals who are like family at each Country Meadows retirement community
July 25, 2019Tracy Newcomer, our Vice President of Human Resources, joined Country Meadows Retirement Communities in 2008. Beforehand, she worked for 20 years at UPS in several roles, covering workforce planning, employee relations management as well as health and safety management. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in personnel management and …
Read MoreBeyond the retirement home: We have resources to help children deal with grief
April 23, 2019For some children, losing a grandparent is their first experience with grief. Understandably, the loss of someone close can leave them feeling sad, anxious, confused or upset. While adults are busy dealing with funeral preparations and other arrangements, they should be sure to attend to children’s needs, too. Their grief is often different from that …
Read MoreLaughter—a common sight and sound at the best retirement communities
April 16, 2019Does a laugh a day keep the doctor away? While we can’t promise that, we can confidently say that laughter is definitely good for the body, mind and spirit. That’s why it’s often referred to as “the best medicine.” “I love people who make me laugh,” said actress Audrey Hepburn. “I honestly think it’s the …
Read MoreLooking forward, not back
April 11, 2019We’ve had unusual seasons–a lot of rain, snow, cold and too little sun to suit me. I’ve spent many days in my apartment sorting out my files and organizing my closets. When I first moved here I merely threw things into the drawers with no thought about whether that was the best place for them. …
Read MoreWhat I’ve learned since moving to Country Meadows
March 26, 2019Perhaps you’ve read the book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum. In it he relates common sense knowledge that can apply to everyone in all walks of life. Such things as share everything, clean up your own mess, don’t take things that aren’t yours, say you’re sorry when …
Read MorePaying attention to unexpected sounds and aromas at Country Meadows
March 14, 2019In my last blog post I shared observations around my campus focusing on my sense of sight. It got me thinking about my other senses, so I took time to focus on what I hear and smell at Country Meadows. As I enter the atrium where many programs are held, I hear the happy voices …
Read MoreThe best senior living communities shatter the myths (check us out and see)
January 16, 2019Over 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 …
Read MoreIntergenerational activities enliven and entertain seniors at retirement communities
December 6, 2018Walking through a retirement community, the sight of children shouldn’t be as rare as a rose in winter. But that’s the reality at many places. While retirement communities are meant to be havens of comfort and security, they shouldn’t become places of isolation where residents lose contact with younger people. That’s why intergenerational programs are …
Read MoreSiblings should be united when considering parents’ senior living options
November 16, 2018Adult siblings don’t always share the same ideas on what’s best for aging parents. One may think Mom is doing OK at home and just needs a little help, while another may want her to consider a retirement community. Their different opinions are understandable, but what’s most important is working together for Mom’s best interests. …
Read MoreOlder adults need support after loss of spouse in senior living years
October 15, 2018Reflecting on his grief following the death of his wife, writer and theologian C. S. Lewis wrote, “I see people, as they approach me, trying to make up their minds whether they’ll ‘say something about it’ or not. I hate if they do, and if they don’t.” Many people who have recently lost a spouse …
Read MoreOlder adults find joy and companionship in pet-friendly senior apartments
August 2, 2018The company of furry friends can have therapeutic benefits for seniors living in pet-friendly senior apartments. Increasingly, it’s a pleasure that seniors consider when choosing a retirement community. We know that caring for a pet gives many seniors a sense of purpose and assists them in feeling better overall. In fact, studies show pets can …
Read MoreThank you, Dad.
June 13, 2018This year my father, former Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader, would have turned 100 years old. I wish he had lived to reach this milestone as yet one more accomplishment. He had contributed so much during his life as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, naval officer, poultry farmer, state senator, governor, health care entrepreneur and …
Read MoreThere is so much more to do at Country Meadows than play Bingo. MUCH, much more!
June 5, 2018Several months ago, when I first considered coming to Country Meadows, several of my friends questioned my sanity. They said such things as “Why would you want to go to a place where old people live? You’ll probably be bored and not have anything to do except watch television and sleep all day.” Boy, have …
Read MoreRetirees find computers enhance healthy, active senior living
May 25, 2018Use of the Internet, smartphones and other communication technology is increasing among retirees, and many active senior living communities are encouraging that practice. A Pew Research Center’s 2017 report, “Tech Adoption Climbs Among Older Adults,” featured these survey results: Two-thirds of seniors 65 and older use the Internet. Four in 10 own smartphones. A third …
Read MoreClose to home or far away, we still depend on Mom’s words of wisdom
May 9, 2018Long after children have grown, mothers continue to have a strong influence on their children’s lives. Adult children, particularly daughters, often reach out to Mom, by phone or with a visit, when they need a sympathetic ear or the voice of experience. Research has shown that when daughters are facing challenging situations, they generally have …
Read MoreKeeping the beat is therapeutic for residents of senior living communities
May 4, 2018Residents of some senior living communities are benefitting physically and mentally from a simple activity that originated thousands of years ago. And they’re having loads of fun in the process. “It’s a new activity for most people—it’s making noise,” says Jeff Kuhn, musician and drum circle instructor. Kuhn has taught residents of Country Meadows Retirement …
Read MoreCo-workers at the best retirement communities are driven by making a difference
April 30, 2018Q: What is the key factor in the happiness and comfort of seniors residing at the best retirement communities? A: The quality of the staff. Words from families about staff members at our senior communities From co-workers in health care and therapy services to those in food services and maintenance, they arrive each day with …
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