retirement community

Mom and Dad haven’t been the same for some time. As their kids grew older and moved hours away, and they sold their family business, many of the joys of conversation and socialization were lost. They now watch hours upon hours of television—Mom occasionally works on some of her favorite pastimes, like crafting and sewing. … Continue reading “The joy of conversation and socialization and their importance for seniors”

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”

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”

Meredith Mills is COO and Senior Vice President of Country Meadows Retirement Communities, a role she was promoted to in mid-2018. Previously, she held the positions of VP of Strategic Planning, Executive Director of our Lancaster campus, Regional Marketing Manager and Marketing Director at our Hershey campus. Prior to her arrival at Country Meadows, she … Continue reading “Country Meadows observes National Assisted Living Week, Sept. 8-14”

Adults perform six primary activities of daily living, generally without assistance. If at some point they can no longer do them on their own, personal care services at a retirement community can make their lives, and their families’ lives, easier. What are the activities of daily living? The activities of daily living (ADLs) are officially … Continue reading “How personal care services support seniors with activities of daily living”

In a recent blog post on restorative senior care, we noted that many older persons aren’t physically ready to go home after hospitalization or rehab. While a temporary stay at a nursing home may be in order, increasingly, many families prefer the alternative of restorative care in a more home-like environment. Now, Country Meadows Retirement … Continue reading “After hospitalization, Progressions offers short-term restorative senior care”

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”

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)”

“Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays, Cause no matter how far away you roam, If you want to be happy in a million ways, For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home!”* Most of us would agree with this sentiment so warmly expressed by Pennsylvania native son and crooner Perry Como. … Continue reading “Tough conversations at the holidays can lead to personal care decisions”

Walking 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 … Continue reading “Intergenerational activities enliven and entertain seniors at retirement communities”

Adult 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. … Continue reading “Siblings should be united when considering parents’ senior living options”

Country Meadows is observing National Assisted Living Week, Sept. 9-15, by “capturing the connection” between our assisted living/personal care residents and our caregivers who support these seniors in meeting their daily needs. At all 11 of our retirement communities, our co-workers will be taking photos depicting the special relationship between our residents and our care … Continue reading “Assisted living and personal care homes support seniors in daily activities”

Personal decisions such as moving to a retirement community depend on many factors, varying from person to person and family to family. Still, we see several common situations that spark such a move. So, what are the main factors that prompt older persons and their families to start choosing a retirement community? Health changes A … Continue reading “What motivates seniors to begin choosing a retirement community?”

The 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 … Continue reading “Older adults find joy and companionship in pet-friendly senior apartments”

After seniors, along with their families, have completed the process of choosing a retirement community, they will need support to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. For while the selection of a community may provide relief, the move and adjustment to a new lifestyle can be challenging for some seniors. But like … Continue reading “What to expect when you move to a retirement community”

This 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 … Continue reading “Thank you, Dad.”

What could be easier than retirement? You stop working and wake up every day free to do what you want, when you want and with whomever you choose. It sounds like paradise. But actually, a fulfilling retirement doesn’t just happen. It requires strategy and planning—and not just financial, though we certainly hope that’s a vital … Continue reading “A relaxing retirement requires lifestyle planning, decision-making”

Q: 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 … Continue reading “Co-workers at the best retirement communities are driven by making a difference”

 From the time we’re children, most of us enjoy competing with others in games, contests and sporting events. We may gravitate away from competition as we get older, but many seniors continue to enjoy golf outings or card games with friends. Most competition is physically and psychologically healthy because it motivates us to perform at … Continue reading “Social activities at top retirement communities offer friendly competition and fun”

After moving to a retirement community, many people are surprised by just how much takes place there on any given day. They find daily opportunities awaiting them that were never available before. New friendships, hobbies and activities give their senior years new meaning and purpose. “Getting older is fine,” said American writer John Byrne. “There … Continue reading “Tour bus trips offer entertainment and fellowship at active senior living communities”