Articles

Transitions are a natural part of senior care and living situations, but it can be difficult to know when the time is right to make a change. For example, those currently in independent living communities can have trouble deciding when it is the right time to make the move to an assisted living level of care.  VOANS has both assisted and independent living communities, so we’ve put together a guide to help residents and loved ones decide when to make the change to assisted living. Understanding Independent vs. Assisted Living Knowing the differences between independent and assisted living is vital…

While it may seem difficult to help loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, there are plenty of activities and games that you can participate in together that are not only enjoyable, but also provide beneficial stimulation. Dementia — resulting from diseases like Alzheimer’s — makes memory and other types of thinking difficult for people, usually older adults, resulting in difficulty with everyday activities on their own. Friends and family can help ease the challenge of doing these daily activities alone, but they can also play a vital therapeutic role by encouraging and participating in stimulating games…

As a large generation of people begin entering their senior years, the demand and need for all types of senior living communities is on the rise. This increase can limit space, making it important to find the right fit for you or your loved one. In addition to the potential difficulty of finding a space, different types of communities have widely different medical care and support, amenities, staffing levels and living spaces, making finding the right fit even more important. To help make sure you and your loved one make the best decision when choosing a senior living community, VOANS…

Independent senior living communities offer older adults the advantages of maintaining control of their daily schedules and activities while gaining extra time to spend how they wish and freedom from the responsibilities and chores of homeownership. The community aspect of independent living services is also invaluable, giving residents the opportunity to engage with a variety of life-enriching activities and make new friends.  Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) has a number of independent living communities that give their residents the ability to live and enjoy their lives as they choose. With a wealth of amenities and an engaging and welcoming…

As a large segment of the population continues to enter their mid-to-late 60s and beyond, the number of people considering how and where they want to live during the next stage of their life is rising. One of the options that has been increasingly popular in recent years is assisted living communities. This is especially true for those needing personal care or a desire to live in an engaging community with high-quality amenities. Why Assisted Living? Assisted living communities offer residents the independence and privacy of living in their own space, while still receiving expert personal care that they need….

When shopping for an independent or assisted living community, there are several factors to consider to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enriching living environment. Making the right choice involves evaluating location, services and amenities, quality of care, cost, safety, overall community atmosphere and personal rights. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can find a community that meets your needs and enhances your quality of life in your later years. Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Erin Berge, Director Sales and Marketing with Volunteers of America National Services.