Articles

At Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) senior living communities, care goes far beyond meeting daily needs; it’s about honoring the lives, experiences, and memories that make each resident who they are. Every person has a story worth talking about, and our teams are committed to helping bring those stories to light in meaningful and inspiring ways. One remarkable example is Bob D’Arcy, a resident at Horizons Care Center in Eckert, Colorado. At 93 years old, Bob carries with him a lifetime of personal and career milestones. Fresh out of the military at just 22, Bob found himself at the…

When our parents, Larry and Mary Ann, were ready to retire and move closer to family, we exploredcontinuing care retirement communities across Florida. After visiting Gulf Coast Village, they knew immediately it was home — so much so that they didn’t feel the need to tour anywhere else. Larry and Mary Ann lived happily in Independent Living for six years, from 2019 to 2025. During that time,they fully embraced the vibrant lifestyle and meaningful friendships that made Gulf Coast Village so special. From the very beginning, the team made the transition seamless. Staff helped with paperwork, movers, and even arranged…

Long before she ever imagined calling The Homestead at Rochester home, spiritual outreach had already become a cherished routine for Sue Johnson. As a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, she began bringing Holy Communion to residents at the senior living community each week—quiet visits filled with gentle conversation, familiar prayers, and the kind of connection that lingers long after. When COVID arrived and businesses could not allow all visitors, Sue persevered. She came faithfully to the front door of The Homestead at Rochester every Sunday, handing communion to staff who would then take it inside for residents. Week after…

Healthy aging can be a complex process, but having a firm foundation based on advanced planning makes things easier. Providing for future care needs, outside of savings or similar resources, gives peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones. A forward-thinking plan also helps protect assets and savings while promoting dignity and independence throughout aging. One of the best ways to plan for the future is by taking out a long-term care insurance (LTCI) policy. These policies can help pay for many different types of care, but many seniors and their families aren’t sure what LTCI is or…

The holidays are filled with family, warmth, and creating lasting memories with the people we love. But for some seniors who are living on their own, the holiday season also brings challenges. It can be difficult to make travel and transportation plans around this time of year to visit friends and family, finding and attending social events isn’t easy, and hosting is not always a possibility.  The challenges of the holiday season can make it an ideal time to transition to an assisted living or senior living community. These kinds of communities can provide the social and emotional benefits that…

Life change of any kind is a significant time for families, especially when a parent or family member requires extra support and memory care. The mix of emotional processing and figuring out logistics at the same time is challenging, which is why VOANS is dedicated to being a supportive partner during the transition.  From answers to questions about what to bring and what not to bring for the move, to thoughtfully designed studio apartment units, to suggestions about how to make the new space feel like home, our team is here to make the transition to memory care as comfortable…

For older adults, living alone can present a number of challenges — from getting housework and chores done to issues with mobility and transportation. Another aspect of life that can be difficult to face is loneliness, and the toll that living and being alone most of the time can take on an individual’s health. The good news is there are solutions to these challenges. For instance, assisted living communities can help improve quality of life for older adults through easy and meaningful social engagement.  Whether you or a loved one enjoys group activities, individual opportunities for community engagement, shared dining…

As we age, maintaining health and wellness is key to living our best lives. That’s why VOANS’ (Volunteers of America National Services) assisted living communities are always looking for ways to support their residents’ holistic health. From encouraging healthy eating habits to offering exercise and physical activity options, social opportunities for emotional wellness, mental health services and more, there are many programs that can help our senior residents thrive in their assisted living communities How Assisted Living Dietary Programs Create Healthy Eating Habits for Seniors No matter your age, healthy eating habits are important for your health. This is increasingly…

The transition to assisted living can be a challenge for many people, even after they have decided the change is the best choice. Coping with the emotion during the transition can be difficult, so be sure your loved one has friends, family and networks that can offer support, help them find answers to questions about assisted living or provide a reliable listening ear for their concerns. Just like having conversations with aging family members about their future, maintaining an empathetic mindset and having an open and honest dialogue is helpful when your loved one is getting ready to make the…

As our parents age, the need to discuss their future care and living needs becomes increasingly important, but also potentially more challenging. Often, the hardest part of these conversations is starting them, as bringing the subject up can feel awkward or can cause some to brace for a potential conflict that they would rather avoid. However, engaging in respectful and open conversations with your parents about their aging and future is vital to how their emotional, mental and physical needs can be met going forward. If you’re looking for actionable advice on approaching this sensitive topic, take a look at…