Blog & News | McClellan Senior Living

Let Winter Be Our Problem, Not Yours

When winter arrives, it brings colder temperatures, icy conditions, and shorter days. For many older adults – and the families who love them – this season can come with added concerns about safety, health, and comfort.

At McClellan Senior Living, we believe winter should be enjoyed, not worried over. At our Anniston, Alabama senior living community, our residents can relax knowing they are cared for, protected, and supported – no matter what the weather brings.

Warmth and Safety Come First

Cold weather can present real challenges for seniors, but McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama is thoughtfully designed with comfort and safety in mind. From warm, heated living spaces to inviting indoor common areas, residents of our Alabama senior living community stay cozy and secure throughout the winter months.

Our teams carefully monitor entrances, walkways, and shared spaces to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Residents don’t need to worry about icy conditions or cold mornings – we’re here to help every step of the way.

Care You Can Count On – Day and Night

Winter doesn’t pause care needs, and neither do we. At McClellan Senior Living community, trained and compassionate staff members are available 24/7 to provide assistance, medication support, and regular check-ins.

Whether it’s a sudden cold snap or an extended stretch of winter weather, residents McClellan Senior Living are never alone – and their families can feel confident knowing their loved one is always supported.

Comfort, Nourishment, and Connection Here in Alabama

Winter in Alabama is the perfect time for warm meals, friendly conversations, and cozy moments. McClellan Senior Living community residents enjoy nutritious, comforting meals served daily, along with engaging indoor activities that encourage connection and movement.

Staying active and socially connected is essential year-round, and our Anniston, Alabama assisted living communities make it easy – even when it’s cold outside. From group activities to quiet gatherings with friends, winter is still a season full of life at McClellan Senior Living communities here in Anniston.

Peace of Mind for Families

Perhaps the greatest gift we offer during winter is peace of mind. Families don’t have to worry about whether their loved one is warm enough, safe enough, or receiving the care they need. At McClellan Senior Living community, we handle the challenges winter brings here in Anniston, Alabama so that you don’t have to.

Here at McClellan Senior Living, our mission is simple: to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for Alabama seniors every season of the year.

Let Winter Be Our Problem – Not Yours.

If winter safety and daily support are becoming concerns, we invite you to learn more about how McClellan Senior Living can make every season easier, safer, and more comfortable.

Contact us today for more information about our Anniston, Alabama senior living community and how we care for our senior community members. Call us today, or schedule a visit to come see if McClellan Senior Living could feel like home for you or your loved one.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Move into Assisted Living

Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and fresh starts—making it the perfect time to transition into an Assisted Living community. If you or a loved one have been considering the move to join an assisted living community, here are a few reasons why now is the ideal time to take that step.

1. A Fresh Start for a New Season

Just like spring brings blooming flowers and warmer weather, moving into Assisted Living can bring new opportunities for socialization, comfort, and care. A new season means a chance for a fresh beginning in a welcoming and supportive senior community.

2. Warmer Weather, Easier Transitions

Moving in the spring means avoiding the challenges of extreme winter cold or the summer heat. The pleasant weather makes packing, moving, and settling into a senior living community much more enjoyable for families and new residents.

3. More Opportunities for Socialization

Springtime at an Assisted Living community is filled with exciting activities, from outdoor events and gardening clubs to spring festivals and scenic walks. Moving into a senior living community now means new residents can jump right into a lively, engaging social atmosphere.

4. Enjoy Seasonal, Nutritional Meals

Spring brings an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, perfect for creating delicious and nutritious meals. Assisted Living communities take advantage of seasonal ingredients to provide well-balanced, healthy meals tailored to seniors’ dietary needs.

5. A Safe and Supportive Environment

If the past winter was challenging—whether due to health concerns, loneliness, or home maintenance—Assisted Living offers a safe, stress-free alternative. With 24/7 support, housekeeping, and on-site activities, residents can enjoy their days without worry.

6. Peace of Mind for Families

Knowing that a loved one is in a caring, supportive environment provides peace of mind for families. Instead of worrying about daily tasks, families can focus on spending quality time together, enjoying visits and making memories.

7. A Community that Feels Like Home

Assisted Living is more than just a place to live—it’s a community where residents build friendships, stay active, and receive compassionate care. Moving into an assisted living community in the spring allows new residents to settle in, make connections, and embrace all that their new home has to offer.

If you or a loved one are considering Assisted Living, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Schedule a tour, meet the staff, and discover how a fresh start this spring can bring comfort, companionship, and joy!

Starting the Conversation About Assisted Living

The idea of moving to assisted living can raise a variety of emotions for an individual – hesitation, resistance, fear – making it challenging to talk about it with someone you love. This is why it is important to know how to address the topic to make it as smooth and as positive as possible.McClellan Senior Living proudly offers all-inclusive independent and assisted senior living options in Anniston, Alabama. We want to help you and your family have these essential conversations. We know that assisted living can be a touchy subject, so we’re sharing five tips to help you start the conversation about assisted living.

Research Your Options

Before making any significant decision, research should always be the first step. This rule also applies to choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one.

Researching assisted living care and availability will give you a better understanding of what options are available to you and prepare you for the conversation so you can provide educated and confident responses to any questions your family member may have.

LEARN MORE: ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES

Talk About Assisted Living in a Positive Way

There are many misconceptions about assisted living communities. Your loved one may be hesitant to the idea because of these myths, not realizing that today’s assisted living communities, like McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama, offer welcoming environments with supportive care and active lifestyles.

Be sure to talk about the idea of assisted living in a positive way, highlighting all the amenities and benefits of how this lifestyle change could improve your loved one’s quality of life. Many individuals focus on what they think they’ll “lose” by moving into an assisted living community, but you want to remind them of all that they will gain!

Make Planning for the Future an Ongoing Conversation

As we get older, planning for the future because more important. Health needs can change, accidents can happen, and care may be needed. It is better to prepare for these scenarios than to wait and have to scramble to find solutions should an emergency occur. Plus, planning allows you to explore all possibilities as opposed to choosing between limited options later.

Talking about assisted living before your loved one may need support lets them get their mind around the idea before moving is necessary. If you wait until it is time to make the transition, the conversation could feel like you are telling your family member what they have to do, potentially leading to further resistance and tension.

Include Your Family Member in the Decision-Making Process

We all want to maintain our independence but having a family member tell us that we have to move into an assisted living community can feel like our independence is being taken away from us. Even though assisted living communities encourage and help individuals maintain their independence, it may not feel that way when the decision is not ours..

When you talk to your loved one about transitioning into assisted living, make sure to recognize their feelings and keep their personal preferences in mind.

Know When it is Time to Make the Move

While you may have started the conversation about assisted living early, you also need to understand when it is time to put your plan into motion. Signs that your parent or family member may need the support of an assisted living community could include:

They have chronic health conditions,
Are having trouble managing their medications,
They need help with the activities of daily living,
Or they are experiencing social isolation and feelings of loneliness.

All-Inclusive Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama

McClellan Senior Living’s assisted living community is a comforting, supportive environment that encourages residents’ sense of accomplishment. Each aspect of our assisted living community was designed with the resident in mind, ensuring that every need is met. Our mission is to help residents get excited to start a new day at McClellan Senior Living.

Our community provides older adults with the attention they need and the care they deserve. Each member of our team consistently demonstrates their commitment to enriching the lives of our residents by valuing their preferences and honoring their traditions.

To learn more about our all-inclusive senior living community and the services we offer, we invite you to contact a member of our team.

Socializing in Senior Living: The Opportunities are Endless

Whether we think of ourselves as introverts, extroverts, or a combination of the two, we all still need some type of socialization. It is a major contributing factor to our mental and emotional health, and it can impact our physical health.

To learn more about the importance of socialization, read “Healthy Aging & the Role that Socialization Plays.”

While the importance of socialization stays constant throughout each stage of our lives, the opportunities for it can begin to taper off as we age. That is unless you live in a senior living community.

There are a number of reasons why aging adults do not get as much socialization as they once did. From mobility issues to not having access to reliable transportation, it can be easy to become isolated in a private residence.

Fortunately, living in a senior living community is different. Individuals have endless opportunities for socialization and engagement without ever having to leave the community campus! At McClellan Senior Living, an all-inclusive senior living community in Anniston, Alabama, we a constantly creating new opportunities for members of our community to socialize and engage with one another. We are sharing what these opportunities are and the benefits they provide to our residents.

Fitness Classes

It is always good advice to exercise with a friend or partner. Your exercise partner can keep you motivated and consistent, so you stay active and reach your fitness goals.

At McClellan Senior Living, we have taken this advice to a whole new level. We host exercises classes so residents can participate in physical activity as a group.

Not only are these individuals staying physically active, but they also have the opportunity to socialize and form relationships with the other participants and encourage one another on a larger scale than just one-on-one.

Physical health is a major part of overall health and wellness, so if you can improve this while connecting with us, why not take advantage of it?

Communal Dining

What we eat is what fuels our bodies and allows them to function properly. McClellan Senior Living takes nutrition seriously. Our all-inclusive senior living community offers three nutritious, restaurant-style meals daily that can accommodate dietary needs and restrictions, as well as resident preferences.

But that is not where it ends! The full dining experience is what makes our senior living community special. Mealtimes at our community bring our residents together and give them another opportunity to socialize and engage with one another while they enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal together.

One study from the University of Oxford even found “that the more often people eat with others, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with their lives.”

Outdoor Areas and Raised Garden Beds

Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can also help promote health and wellness. Our community offers walking paths, a covered patio, and raised garden beds for residents and guests to enjoy together.

In addition to the social benefits that gardening with peers offers, gardening has also been shown to:

Relieve stress and anxiety
Improve mood,
Promote heart health,
And strengthen the immune system.

On-Site Beauty and Barbershop

It is important to feel your best. While looks aren’t everything, you often feel your best when you look your best. Our full-service, on-site beauty and barbershop not only help our residents improve their self-esteem but also gives them the opportunity to socialize with the hairstylists, barbers, and other residents getting pampered.

(The on-site factor is just another added convenience that our all-inclusive senior living offers to residents!)

Regularly Scheduled Events & Entertainment

McClellan Senior Living also schedules a wide variety of events and entertainment for residents to enjoy, allowing the members of our community to pursue new or existing hobbies and interests and keep their minds active and engaged. This is all in addition to spending quality time and forming new relationships with the people who share these same interests.

—

The social opportunities offered in senior living are endless, and the relationships that are formed are priceless. To learn more about our community or our upcoming activities and events, contact a member of the McClellan Senior Living team or visit our website.

The Meaning Behind the Purple Heart

Also known as the Badge of Military Merit, the Purple Heart is our nation’s oldest military award that is still presented to service members today. You have likely seen one before, but perhaps you were not aware of the significance and honor that the Purple Heart offers.

Did you know that August 7 is Purple Heart Day? To celebrate our veterans and active-duty service members, McClellan Senior Living is sharing the history and meaning behind the purple heart as well as the veteran benefits that can help you or your family cover the costs of senior living in Alabama.

A Purple Heart History

On August 7, 1782, General George Washington created the “Badge for Military Merit.” This badge was meant only for those who performed “any singularly meritorious action” and allowed whoever was presented with one to pass guards and sentinels without challenge.

In 1932, World War One was the first time that soldiers could be seen getting presented with their own Purple Heart award. These first Purple Hearts were awarded on the site of the final encampment of the Continental Army in Windsor, New York.

However, back then, there were restrictions on who could receive a Badge for Military Merit. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor states,

“At first, the Purple Heart was exclusively awarded to Army and Army Air Corps personnel and could not be awarded posthumously to the next of kin. In 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order allowing the Navy to award the Purple Heart to Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel. Also, in that year, the Purple Heart was made available for posthumous awarding to any member of the Armed Forces killed on or after December 6, 1941.”

The Modern Purple Heart

The Purple Heart meaning has since changed again to represent and honor members of the military. Today’s Purple Heart is presented to the men and women who are wounded or killed as a result of an act of terrorism or in qualifying circumstances where friendly fire is involved.

Why is the Purple Heart Purple?

There is no definite answer to this question, but here are two prominent theories behind the color. The first one being courage. Since the color purple commonly represents courage, it would make sense that the original color of the Badge of Military Merit would represent the courage of the men and women who made sacrifices for their country.

A newer theory for the purple color is that it represents the blood of the men and women who made sacrifices during times of war.

Purple Heart Benefits

When an individual earns a Purple Heart, they also receive certain benefits, including:

VA Loan Funding Fee Exemption
VA Medical Care Priority Treatment for Purple Heart Recipients
Exempt from VA Co-Payments
MWR Access
10-Point Federal Hiring Preference for Purple Heart Recipients
College Tuition Waivers for Purple Heart Recipients
Purple Heart Scholarship Programs
Purple Heart License Plates and ID Cards

Additional Veteran Benefits

At McClellan Senior Living, we honor and respect our veteran residents. This includes spreading awareness of all the benefits that they could be eligible for to help cover the costs of senior living in Alabama.

For a more detailed guide on navigating these benefits, download our free eBook, “A Veteran’s Guide to Senior Living.”

A few of these benefits include:

Veteran Pension – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides this additional income to veterans and their spouses through the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs.

Aid and Attendance Benefits – Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits are designed for veterans and survivors who:

Require the assistance of a caregiver to perform daily tasks, such as bathing or dressing
Or stay in bed – or spend a large portion of the day in bed – due to an illness
Or are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical disabilities
Or have limited eyesight (even with corrective lenses, you have 5/200 or less in both eyes)

Housebound Benefits – An increased pension amount, much like the Aid and Attendance Programs mentioned above. Since these programs serve as an addition to the standard VA pension plan, you must also either already receive a VA pension or submit a supplemental VA pension application with your application. Note that you cannot get Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time since the requirements for each are different.

There are more benefits available to you than you may realize. To learn more about what we have to offer at McClellan Senior Living or the veteran benefits available to you, we encourage you to contact a member of our team.

Take a Day to Get Away: Short Trips from Anniston, Alabama

There are days when you just want to get away. To leave all your responsibilities and break up your daily routine with something different. While an extended vacation might be nice, it is not always a possibility. Fortunately, there is another way for you to take a break and recharge. Take a day trip!

Break up your routine without breaking the bank on a week-long vacation. Day trips are the perfect solution to help you refresh, and Anniston, Alabama, is a beautiful area surrounded by unique attractions that make for great miniature getaways. McClellan Senior Living, an all-inclusive senior living community in Anniston, is sharing day trip ideas to help you get the most out of our vibrant area.

Immerse Yourself in History

Located right in Anniston is the Anniston Museum of Natural History. The museum houses seven permanent exhibit halls which display various natural history subjects from dinosaurs to live animals. The perfect way to explore and engage in history with the whole family!

Discover DeSoto Caverns

Named after the Spanish explorer, Hernando DeSoto, DeSoto Caverns is one of the most beautiful cave systems in the country. Visitors can explore this geological treasure by a guided educational tour enhanced with a light show to further make the experience special and memorable.

Beyond experiencing the beautiful cave system, you will discover the history of the caverns. This location was previously used as a burial ground, so DeSoto Caverns is historically important to the indigenous culture. Through the guided tours, you will learn about the indigenous people who lived in the caverns, the confederate soldiers who mined the gunpowder here, the traders who visited, and the moonshine made there during prohibition times.

Even if caves are not your thing, DeSoto Caverns has many other attractions, including:

The Destiny Express Train
DeSoto’s Lost Trail Maze
Gemstone Panning
Wacky Water Golf
DeSoto’s Wall Climb
Bow & Arrow Shoot
And more!

Located in Childersburg, Alabama, DeSoto Caverns is less than an hour’s drive from our senior living community in Anniston. What are you waiting for? Put on your cave exploring hat and take a day trip to DeSoto Caverns.

Explore Bankhead National Forest

The state of Alabama is rich in natural beauty, and we are proud that our all-inclusive senior living calls this state home. Just over two hours from McClellan Senior Living is one of these natural wonders – Bankhead National Forest.

Located in Double Springs, Alabama, Bankhead National Forest allows visitors to follow the calm waters of the Sipsey Fork River, making it the perfect place to explore and discover cascading waterfall after waterfall. Hike or bike the numerous trails, pack a picnic for the family, or bring your fishing pole and enjoy all that this beautiful national forest has to offer.

Additional recreational activities at Bankhead National Forest include:

Boating
Camping
Horse trails
Swimming

Certain areas of the park also have sanitary facilities, trailer dump stations, bath houses, and water and electrical hookups. Before you pack up for your day trip, be sure to visit their website to learn more about each area.

Dismals Canyon

Want to take a trip to a place that looks like “something from Middle Earth?” Visit Dismals Canyon. Offering an enchanting atmosphere, this 85-acre national natural landmark is home to waterfalls, moss-covered boulders, caves, and is one of the few places in the world where dismalites (glow worms) can be found.

Wander through the trails of Dismals Canyon that feature natural and man-made bridges to help guide you on your extraordinary journey. Do not forget to pack your camera for this day trip that will make you feel like you are on another planet!

In addition to exploring this natural wonder through hiking trails, Dismals Canyon also offers:

Camping in rustic, luxury cabins
Rustic camping
A country store, equipped with a soda fountain café

Cheaha State Park

Only 30 minutes from our community, Cheaha Resort State Park is the oldest park in Alabama which many consider one of the most unique parks in the country. A truly magnificent Alabama destination, this park features a cliffside pool, lake, dog park, accessible and extreme trails, cultural heritage, Vista Cliffside Restaurant, and more!

As you visit this beautiful area, we invite you to tour our senior living community nestled in the Cheaha Mountains, which offers easy access to the outdoors and is conveniently located near all of these wonderful sites and destinations!

You don’t have to travel far to experience all that Alabama has to offer. Even better – you don’t even need to venture outside of our local community to experience its beauty! To learn more about life within our city of Anniston, Alabama, read our blog, “Sweet Home Alabama: Discover Life & Senior Living in Anniston.”

For more information about life at McClellan Senior Living and all that our community has to offer, contact a member of our team or visit our website.

Healthy Aging & the Role that Socialization Plays

Socialization is important; it does not matter the stage of life. During adolescence, we learn and understand how to successfully communicate and socialize. As we age, we use this knowledge to interact with classmates and coworkers and build personal and professional relationships.McClellan Senior Living believes in the power of community and encourages socialization and meaningful connections. As an all-inclusive senior living community in Anniston, Alabama, we want to share how staying connected and engaging with others can help individuals promote healthy aging.

Prevents Cognitive Decline

Holding a meaningful conversation requires more effort than you may realize. It is not mindlessly speaking back and forth; it requires focus and memory to fully engage and respond appropriately.

When talking to someone else, you not only have to listen to what they are saying, but interpret their body language, analyze the information shared, and use your short-term memory to recall what has already been said. Socialization and communicating with friends and peers can help to prevent cognitive decline by exercising the mind and stimulating short-term memory.

Engaging in meaningful conversations with others can even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. A study conducted by Dr. Karen Ertel “found that those people who were socially integrated (socially active) had less than half the memory decline of those who were socially isolated.”

“The mental stimulation involved in face-to-face interactions plays a crucial role in staving off cognitive decline and can actually be a useful way to improve current cognition over time by seeking out meaningful human interactions that help us form bonds that support brain health and overall health (psychologytoday.com).”

KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP WITH THESE ACTIVITIES

Improves Self-Esteem & Provides Sense of Purpose

We all need something to look forward to. Waking up in the morning with a sense of purpose helps promote healthy aging and overall well-being, and socialization can help create this purpose in our lives.

When you form meaningful relationships, you feel a sense of belonging and purpose. You are part of a community that values you and your contributions. People look forward to connecting and engaging with you, making you feel appreciated. You feel accepted, which boosts your self-esteem and confidence.

Socialization and connecting with others help us to create a sense of purpose and belonging in our lives. McClellan Senior Living fosters an environment where individuals can find this purpose. Our team members believe in connecting with each resident on a personal level to deliver more than just care, but create a relationship that enhances their quality of life.

Increases Physical Activity

When you are part of a social circle, you are more likely to participate in physical activity. Whether it’s simply walking down the street to meet a friend for lunch or taking an exercise class with a neighbor, interacting with others encourages us to get out and get moving.

Even on days that you do not feel like being active, your friends may encourage you to come out and join them. One study even found “that people who exercised in a group rather than on their own had decreased stress levels and had better mental and physical well-being at the end of a 12-week fitness program (medicalnewstoday.com).”

Reduces Stress Levels

High amounts of stress can lead to adverse health issues, so finding ways to manage and decrease feelings of stress is important.

According to HelpGuide, “face-to-face interaction triggers a cascade of hormones that counteracts the body’s defensive ‘fight-or-flight’ response. It’s nature’s natural stress reliever.”

Socializing with individuals you feel comfortable around can create a relaxing environment. When you are enjoying yourself in the company of your friends and family, you may find that your stress levels decrease as you relax into the atmosphere.

Enhance Your Social Life at McClellan Senior Living

At McClellan Senior Living, our residents and team members know and care about one another, and interact and engage every day. This is what makes our close-knit community such a great place to live.

Socialization comes naturally in our community because we all view each other like our own family members. Our senior living community in Anniston, Alabama, understands the importance of socialization and cultivates a comfortable, home-like environment to promote healthy aging.

To learn more about becoming a part of our family, contact a member of the McClellan Senior Living team or visit our website.

3 Reasons to Live at McClellan Senior Living

Where you live and choose to call “home” matters. Home is the place where you are free to be the truest form of yourself. It is where you feel like you belong and is the space in which you feel the most comfortable. Your home is a reflection of who you are.

Part of belonging is being part of a larger, supportive community – one like McClellan Senior Living. Our all-inclusive community offers independent and assisted senior living services in Anniston, Alabama, and cultivates a family environment where individuals are part of something bigger than themselves.

Through relationship building, exceptional services, and engaging life-enrichment opportunities, our community creates a home for residents, guests, and families. We are sharing three reasons why individuals choose to call McClellan Senior Living “home.”

1. Veteran-Focused

McClellan Senior Living is located on former Fort McClellan and has a rich military history. Our senior living community is passionate about connecting with the history of our town and honoring and caring for those who served in the Armed Forces.

We celebrate our residents who have served, respect them for their experiences and knowledge, and offer continued support to them and their families.

Not only do our residents and team members work hard to support veterans and those within our community, but they also participate in supporting the surrounding community of Anniston, Alabama.

If you or someone you know is a veteran, you may be eligible for assistance when it comes to the cost of senior living. Visit our website to learn more about Veteran Benefits and see if you may be eligible.

2. Beautiful Location

Anniston, Alabama, offers the best of both worlds, combining the small-town family vibe with the amenities of a bigger city. Let’s not forget about southern charm! With many of our team members and residents originally from the area, we are proud to call this city home.

From exploring nature at the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Reserve to shopping in local stores and visiting historical museums, the city of Anniston offers something for everyone. The ideal lifestyle looks different for everyone, but our community, both McClellan Senior Living and the city of Anniston, offers history, beauty, and a strong family feel with easy access to bigger cities.

We invite you to read our blog, “Sweet Home Alabama: Discover Life & Senior Living in Anniston,” to discover more of the unique aspects of our area!

3. Exceptional Senior Living Services

Every day, our team at McClellan Senior Living works hard to create a sense of belonging and meaning in each resident’s life. By blending the attentive care of a loving family with the sense of accomplishment that our community instills, our team members are always available to offer support. Our mission is to make sure that our residents have everything they need in a loving environment that fosters achievement and engagement.

We value having a team of skilled professionals available around the clock, providing quality care to each resident, and encouraging meaningful engagement. Everything we do aims to enhance the quality of life and add enrichment to each member of our all-inclusive senior living community.

Offering independent and assisted living options, the McClellan Senior Living community is ready to help you create and lead your desired lifestyle.

Come home to McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama, and discover what life in a close-knit, family community is like. To learn more about our independent and assisted living community, contact a member of the McClellan family or visit our website.

Wisdom & Advice from McClellan Senior Living’s Veterans

Since our all-inclusive senior living community in Anniston, Alabama, resides on the grounds of former Fort McClellan, we have a special place in our hearts for veterans and members of the armed forces. We understand and appreciate all the sacrifices they made to defend our country, and through our lifestyle options and community amenities, we do our best to honor and support them.McClellan Senior Living proudly serves veterans and their families, and through their experiences, these veterans have learned life lessons and gathered a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. We believe that we can learn a lot from veterans. Our team gathered advice from our veteran residents, and now we are sharing it with you!

Appreciate the Little Things

Dennis T. knows that it is the little things in life that matter. When we asked him why he loves living in our community, he said, “I get to meet people and share life stories with them. And I have a TV!” We truly do have a family-like feel at McClellan Senior Living, and Dennis is one of the many who reap the benefits of our close-knit environment. We all know and care about each other. Visiting and sharing our life’s stories is only one of the ways in which we do this.

When he reflects on his service in the Air Force, he said, “it taught me commitment and to look for more.” While Dennis does value the little things in life, like a sense of community, he has ambitions that can be fulfilled in our all-inclusive senior living community.

Have Faith

Harold P. is a proud resident of our McClellan family, and, as a centenarian, he has a lot of experience and advice to pass on. We asked Harold what he loves about living at McClellan Senior Living, and he said, “They take great care of me here.”

When asked what serving in the Navy meant to him, he responded, “I appreciated the opportunity to defend [our] country in the challenges against it.”

In reference to this past year and dealing with challenging times, Harold’s advice is to “trust in the Lord, always.”

Jerry P., who served in the Reserves, agrees with Harold’s sentiment to “turn to the Lord. He always sees you through difficult times.” To Jerry, serving “taught [him] discipline and helped shape [him] into the responsible adult I became.”

Why does Jerry love living in our senior living community in Anniston, Alabama? He appreciates “having the opportunity to be around so many like-minded people in the same stage of life and getting to study music and enjoy it with others while directing hymn singing.”

At McClellan Senior Living, we offer a variety of activities that cater to many different interests, including music, making it the perfect environment for residents to thrive and enjoy an active lifestyle.

Lift Up Through Prayer

Sam loves the “great hospitality” that we offer at McClellan Senior Living! When asked what serving in the Army meant to him, he shared that it “taught [him] to be a man and to observe all [his] surroundings, and how to be a great American citizen.”

When we asked him for his advice on how someone should deal with this past year and handle challenging times, he said, “I’d tell them to go prayin’, and I’d lift them up in prayer as well.”

The Power of Optimism

Charles said that serving in the Air Force “made [him] a man and took [him] from all [he] knew,” but that did not stop him from staying positive. When we asked Charles for his advice on dealing with challenging times, he said, “don’t give up. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

“You Are Stronger Than You Think”

The McClellan Senior Living’s campus is a familiar place for Lucille. When we asked her why she loves living here, she said, “it brings back memories of the two times I was stationed here.” Her response to what serving in the Army meant to her was, “it made me into the woman I am and gave me a career I am proud of. I served for 30 years and was a Sergeant Major.”

Her advice for handling challenging times is “to just hold on. Life can be difficult, but you are stronger than you think.”

We are grateful for the sacrifices that all veterans have made and do everything we can to honor our residents every day. To learn more about resources and benefits that are available to veterans, visit our website.

If you’re ready to learn more about our all-inclusive senior living community in Alabama, contact a member of our team today!

Seniors Can Stay Connected by Staying On Top of Communication Technology

Human beings thrive in relationships, and those who live in isolation tend to experience a lower quality of life than those who routinely interact with others. Personal connection is especially essential for the physical and mental well-being of older adults.

With families spread across long distances, travel may be difficult or expensive, but contemporary technology provides seniors with various tools for maintaining valuable connections. However, this can be challenging if your older loved one is reluctant to use the gadgetry available.

While mastering new communication tools may feel daunting for some who did not grow up using them, most seniors are already online. For those who are not, resources are available for acquiring proficiency with new communication technologies. Explore the following pointers brought to you by McClellan Senior Living.

Research Budget-Friendly Devices for Seniors

For loved ones dragging their feet on learning tech, one way to ease them into it is to select especially senior-friendly devices. For those who prefer traditional telephone communication, for instance, a smartphone enables users to dial and converse just as with a landline while also opening opportunities to explore new modes of communication such as texting, image sharing, and video messaging. To make the transition as easy as possible, consider features like a generous screen and medical support.

For seniors experiencing age-related challenges such as visual impairment or decreased manual dexterity, larger devices like tablets or desktop computers might be preferable. If their current desktop has seen better days, consider an upgrade to help stay connected.

When selecting devices, compare a few different models on the market to determine what will be best, depending on internet capacity, preferred mode of communication, and physical needs. If budget is a worry, remember they can always await seasonal sales to stretch pennies. They can also shop online through retailers like Overstock and save using an Overstock discount code and coupons.

Experiment with Social Media Platforms

Facebook is probably the most popular social media platform among seniors. In fact, according to recent research, nearly half of Facebook users are 65 or older. With its Messenger app, photo sharing options, groups, and ease of access, Facebook offers many opportunities for maintaining contact with loved ones, as well as making new connections based on mutual interests.

However, make sure to warn your loved one to be wary of scams and security threats. Tell them to use caution when considering friend or messenger requests from anyone unfamiliar, especially if they have no mutual connections in common.

For those who wish to stay connected through image sharing, Instagram is a popular social media platform where many seniors are gaining recognition as influencers. For seniors interested in pursuing creative projects, Pinterest, where users can collect and “pin” different images and links to their page, is an excellent source of inspiration.

Those interested in staying abreast of current news and politics might prefer Twitter, where users can follow various accounts based on their personal interests.

Get Face-to-Face with Video Messaging

Video messaging isn’t just for business meetings and online education; it’s also a valuable tool for staying in touch with loved ones. Seniors who have a tablet or smartphone can take advantage of apps like FaceTime or Zoom. Facebook Messenger also has a video messaging option that’s extremely user-friendly.

Other tools for more tech-savvy seniors include Google Hangouts and Skype. Once you’re comfortable with a preferred method of messaging, experiment with ways to make your virtual sessions more entertaining, such as playing around with effects, avatars, and props.

It’s important to help your loved one through their tech transition. Exploring new methods of communication technology can give people of all ages more opportunities to engage with, support, and learn from one another.

McClellan Senior Living can provide seniors with the skilled and compassionate care they deserve. Schedule a tour today!