Independent Living

The holidays are a joyful time of year at the best retirement communities. But for some older adults, the winter holidays may not be the most wonderful time of the year. Providing multiple opportunities for seniors to participate in holiday traditions is important for individuals living in independent living communities. According to the U. S. …

We cannot survive without water. In fact, sixty percent of the human body is made up of water, so it makes sense we need to take in lots of fluids to maintain our health. Among its many benefits, water is critical as it regulates body temperature, cushions and protects vital organs, eliminates toxins and aids …

You’ve probably seen advertisements for senior care referral services promising to find the best retirement community care for you or a loved one at “no cost to you.” Some of these services even utilize paid celebrity spokespersons to pitch their senior living placement services. However, these services do have a high cost in the form …

Spring is a time of renewal. Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, daylight hours are longer and everyone seems more chipper. Late actor Robin Williams once said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” Spring feels even more liberating this year after a year spent indoors, isolating from one another, especially at retirement homes. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

Retirement communities in Pennsylvania vary in their policies regarding pets, but here at Country Meadows we believe that animals provide a significant contribution to emotional therapy and welcome them. We feel that the benefits of keeping animals as companions on our senior independent living campuses in all levels of care are worth the extra costs. …

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 …