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Welcome Home: Creating a Sense of Community at McClellan Senior Living

Where you live matters. Your home should be your happy place and serve as your refuge. It needs to be a place where you feel the most comfortable; where you can be your true self.

If we spend nearly half our lives either sleeping or trying to sleep, imagine how much time is spent simply being at home. This is the reason that our surroundings hold such a significant impact on both our physical and mental health.

When we feel relaxed, the mind and body can focus on wellness. This level of serenity and comfort is a result of the elements that make up your environment. What furnishings help you to feel at home? Does your space suit your current lifestyle needs and wants? And, arguably the most important element, do you feel like you are surrounded by a supportive community?

McClellan Senior Living is an all-inclusive senior living community in Anniston, Alabama, dedicated to cultivating a sense of community throughout our campus. Our community is family-focused and faith-based, encouraging residents and team members alike to lead a fulfilling, active life.

Southern Charm & Small-Town Feel

McClellan Senior Living is proud to call the city of Anniston, Alabama, home. Even with an estimated population of 21,287 people and some of the amenities of a larger area, Anniston still exemplifies small-town life.

Within our community and in the surrounding area of Anniston, residents benefit from this tight-knit atmosphere. At McClellan Senior Living, we all know and care about one another. We see each other daily and stay up-to-date on one another’s lives. Members of our community take pride in supporting and motivating each other in our daily lives.

This small-town feel impacts residents of Anniston and McClellan Senior Living by offering a slower-paced, more intimate sense of community.

Family-Focused Community

The McClellan Senior Living community is family-oriented. When safety and policies permit, we encourage visits, gatherings, and celebrations throughout our community. In 2020, we recognized the challenges that many of our residents and their families faced due to health concerns and visitation limitations. While we know nothing can compare to face-to-face contact, throughout the year, we encouraged family and friends to share notes and messages of support and love to our residents. We strive to do our part to keep families connected and involved in life at McClellan.

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:11

It is our belief that when people feel supported and connected, it creates an environment of healing and care. We call each other family because that is how it feels. We value what it means to be a part of a family-focused atmosphere and implement this ideology into the care and services we provide.

McClellan Senior Living’s Mission and Values

Our mission is to work hard each day to create a sense of belonging and purpose in each resident’s life. Blending the attentive care of a loving family with the feeling of accomplishment, our team members are always available to support and assist our residents. We have made it our mission to ensure that our residents have everything they need within a loving environment that fosters achievement.

Our senior living community in Anniston, Alabama, values the fact that we have a team of skilled professionals available around the clock, providing quality care to each resident and fostering meaningful engagement. Each of our activities, group meetings, outings, and events are carefully planned to add purpose and excitement to each resident’s life. At McClellan Senior Living, our values are instilled in every aspect of our community.

Both the city of Anniston, Alabama, and McClellan Senior Living are great places to live. The sense of community that is fostered in this area is something that we take pride in. It is a family-focused environment that concentrates on each individual and creating their desired lifestyle.

Cultivating and nurturing our sense of community and a family-like atmosphere comes naturally. This idea is a part of who we are as individuals as well as a team.

McClellan Senior Living is a community you’ll love – let us welcome you home. To learn more about our all-inclusive senior living community, we invite you to contact a member of the McClellan Senior Living team or visit our website!

Understanding the Difference: Age-Related Forgetfulness vs. Dementia

We have all forgotten certain information at some point in our lives. It is this everyday forgetfulness that causes us to set reminders, write lists, put appointments in calendars, and map out our days with planners. From setting alarms to wake up or go to an appointment to writing sticky notes and posting them on the fridge, we all have our ways of reminding ourselves.

This forgetfulness can become more frequent as we age, but occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. Even though memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, just because you forgot to move your laundry from the washer into the dryer does not mean you are experiencing its early stages.

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, “there are over 9.9 million new cases of dementia each year worldwide, implying one new case every 3.2 seconds.” With the number of dementia cases increasing, it is important for you to understand the key differences between age-related forgetfulness vs. dementia. McClellan Senior Living proudly offers senior living options in Anniston, Alabama, and we want to help you understand the differences to promote healthy aging habits.

Forgetfulness vs. Dementia: What’s “Normal?”

The main distinguishing factor between age-related forgetfulness and dementia is its impact on your day-to-day life. Although forgetting where you placed your glasses is inconvenient, it does not affect your ability to function.

The memory loss associated with dementia can inhibit a person from living their life as they normally would. Help Guide states, “when memory loss becomes so pervasive and severe that it disrupts your work, hobbies, social activities, and family relationships, you may be experiencing the warning signs of [dementia].”

Symptoms of Age-Related Forgetfulness

As mentioned previously, forgetfulness is a part of the aging process. Forgetting to complete a task or misplacing an item does not mean that you are experiencing the early signs of dementia. “This loss of [mental] efficiency is gradual. And like many other age-associated changes in the body, cognitive aging tends to happen a little differently for every person, in part due to things like genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors (betterhealthwhileaging.net).”

Scenarios associated with age-related forgetfulness could include:

Occasionally misplacing commonly used items such as keys, glasses, wallet, etc.
Forgetting the name of an acquaintance.
Interchanging similar names or memories; for instance, calling your granddaughter by your daughter’s name.
Missing the occasional appointment or forgetting why you walked into a room after you entered (we’ve all done this!).
Having difficulty recalling what you have just read or heard or not remembering the details of a conversation.KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP WITH THESE ACTIVITIES

Warning Signs of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia do not only affect an individual’s memory, but can affect their ability to carry out the activities of daily living, work, or manage relationships.

Scenarios that could indicate more severe memory loss could include:

Difficulty performing simple tasks such as dressing appropriately for the day.
Forgetting how to do things you have done many times; for instance, paying bills or use your television remote.
Getting lost or disoriented – even in familiar places.
Becoming confused about time, people, and places.
Frequently forgetting common words, misusing phrases, or repeating stories in the same conversation.
Asking the same question repeatedly.
Having trouble making simple choices or showing poor judgment.
Not being able to follow instructions, such as a recipe.

Other Factors that Can Impact Memory Loss

When examining age-related forgetfulness vs. dementia, it is important to be mindful of progression. Though forgetfulness is a common component in the aging process, normal age-related forgetfulness does not progress or worsen to the point of affecting daily living. Beyond dementia, there are external factors that can cause the appearance of severe memory loss, including:

Vitamin B12 Deficiency. According to helpguide.org, “vitamin B12 protects neurons and is vital to healthy brain functioning… Older people have a slower nutritional absorption rate, which can make it difficult for you to get the B12 your mind and body need.”
Dehydration. Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration, and severe dehydration can cause confusion, memory loss, and other symptoms that look like dementia. Healthy aging includes staying hydrated – aim for 6-8 drinks per day.
Side Effects of Certain Medications. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines (or combinations of drugs) can cause cognitive problems and memory loss side effects. This is especially common in older adults as they break down and absorb medication more slowly.

If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss that seems more severe than age-related forgetfulness, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare provider to review all scenarios and get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

As a senior living provider in Alabama, McClellan Senior Living understands the importance of keeping your mind active and sharp. Forgetfulness can cause frustration but participating in activities that improve your memory and keep your mind alert and can help deter age-related forgetfulness.

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The Downsizing Process: How Seniors Can Get Through It Smoothly

Downsizing can be hugely beneficial for seniors, as it can help keep them safe and comfortable in a smaller home after retirement or following the loss of a spouse or partner. It’s a big job, however, and it requires quite a bit of careful planning to pull off successfully. Many seniors find that preparing for a move is just as stressful as the move itself, especially if they have a home full of memories and belongings. When it comes to downsizing, there’s certainly a lot to think about.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help make the process go more smoothly. From learning the most efficient way to pack up your home to figuring out which items you can do without, there are several ways you can make downsizing a success. The key is to start with a good plan; getting organized will help prevent any troubling surprises down the road.

McClellan Senior Living wants you to thrive with your decision, so keep reading for some great tips on how to successfully downsize.

Do Some Research

A little research will help you figure out the best way to get started. U.S.News explains that not only will you need to look for a home that meets your needs — especially if you have health or mobility issues — you should also consider the size of your new place. Once you find a space you like, take some measurements and snap a few photos of each room so that when you’re ready to pack, you’ll be able to make decisions on which items of furniture to keep and where they should go.

Get Plenty of Packing Supplies

Any move requires lots of different supplies, but it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you have plenty of boxes of varying sizes, and thankfully, you can pick up moving boxes for free. This can help you keep your belongings safe and will prevent any issues on moving day (such as having to load loose items in the car, where they might get damaged or broken). Packing tape, scissors, newspaper or bubble wrap, a large black marker, and cleaning supplies are also necessities you’ll need.

Consider Your Options

No matter what your living situation has been before now, it’s crucial to think about your options when it comes to finding a new place to live. For example, if you want to move into a home that requires accessibility modifications, you’ll need to factor in those costs. As a starting point, get familiar with the local market, then price out any changes you want to make.

Remodeling will most likely need to be done in the bathroom and kitchen. View your changes with fall prevention in mind; for instance, most senior homeowners look for changes like installing grab bars and senior-friendly flooring.

On the other hand, if you don’t feel you are in a good place financially for the purchase of a new house, there is a wide variety of options to consider, like home sharing, intentional communities, or all-inclusive assisted living communities like McClellan Senior Living. This is a way to save money and stay social at the same time, all of which can reduce stress and improve health.

Downsizing is a major life change, and with it often comes stress, anxiety, and the feeling of being overwhelmed. However, if you start with a good plan and ask for help from friends and family, there are several ways you can make the process easier for yourself. Keep in mind that your mental and physical health are priorities during this time, so take plenty of breaks and don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated. Taking care of yourself will help to reduce those feelings of stress and will allow you to make a move without any issues.

Visit McClellan Senior Living’s website for more great articles like these and to learn more about how they can help you live your best life throughout your golden years.

Mike Longsdon provides advice to seniors on downsizing and aging in place and can discuss concerns like tackling home accessibility modifications, how to find a great contractor, the benefits of aging in place, and more .

Sweet Home Alabama: Discover Life & Senior Living in Anniston

When you decide to transition yourself or a family member into a senior living community, it is important to find the right community. A community that provides the level of care that you need, offers activities and events that align with your interests, and makes you feel comfortable and at home.

Along with the community’s services and amenities, the location of the community is equally, if not more, important. Just like buying a house, location can make or break your decision to move into a specific community.

McClellan Senior Living is an all-inclusive senior living community in Anniston, Alabama. Our vibrant and historic location complements the amenities and compassionate care we provide. We believe that Anniston is a great location to spend your retirement years, and we want to help you discover everything it has to offer!

Discover the History of Anniston, Alabama

Anniston is located in northeast Alabama, about 60 miles east of Birmingham. Lying in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the city was originally founded as a private industrial community in 1872. The founders of the iron town community shared the same goal of creating the perfect town or “the model city.”

As a result, “Cottages were constructed for the workers with yards and gardens, streets were laid out and lined with trees, a company store was provided, [and] a farm was operated to provide food and dairy products. Churches and schools were built, all as a part of this prosperous, planned, but closed community” (annistonal.gov). In 1882, Anniston became the first city in Alabama to enjoy electricity.

Due to the rapid growth of the community, Anniston, Alabama, was officially opened to the public on July 3, 1883.

In addition to the iron industry, the military also plays a significant part in the growth of Anniston. “In 1917, the federal government purchased 18,952 acres adjoining Anniston for the development of Camp McClellan (annistonal.gov). It was later renamed “Fort McClellan.” The military used this area for training until Fort McClellan’s eventual closing in 1999.

Today, the former Fort McClellan is the location of McClellan Senior Living, offering both independent and assisted living services.

Things to Do, See, & Explore

Beyond its rich history, Anniston is also home to various art, environmental, educational, and interesting attractions – perfect for exploring on your own or with loved ones!

Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Preserve

Named after the decreasing population of longleaf pine trees, the Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Preserve is located on over 9,000 acres that are part of the former Fort McClellan site and forms a section of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountain ranges.

With an abundance of flora, fauna, and birdlife, this wildlife preserve is the perfect place for a hike, picnic, riding a bicycle, or birdwatching. Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Preserve serves as a destination for families to get outdoors and spend quality time together.

Zinn Park in Downtown Anniston

Located in the heart of downtown Anniston, Alabama, Zinn park hosts pavilions, jogging and walking pathways, and a splash pad for children to enjoy. Additionally, Zinn Park is home to a playground that was specifically adapted for children with disabilities, making it a great place for all families to explore.

According to The Crazy Tourist, “Martin Luther King Jr. Pavilion hosts a range of events and concerts throughout the year which visitors can enjoy alongside locals.”

Berman Museum

If you are fascinated by history, this is the place for you. Started by Farley Berman, an American GI, the Berman Museum is home to unique weaponry, antiques, and items from all around the world. A few of these items include “Hitler’s tea service, a bullet firing flute, and a James Bond-style ink pen which fires a .22.”

During World War II, Farley Berman was stationed in North Africa, where he met a French spy who later became his wife. The museum is made up of the items they collected as they traveled all over the world.

Why Retire in Anniston?

We know everyone’s ideal retirement looks different. For those looking for inviting, Southern charm, you’ll find it in Anniston, Alabama. The city is within driving distance of the Georgia border and sits roughly an hour from Birmingham, allowing residents the opportunity to enjoy the history and beauty of a small town with easy access to more metropolitan destinations.

LEARN MORE: INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICESFrom outdoor attractions to annual festivals and events around the city, there is something of interest for everyone to enjoy in Anniston. For more information about our all-inclusive senior living community or life in Anniston, Alabama, we invite you to contact a member of our McClellan team!

Maintaining Wellness: October 10 is World Mental Health Day

We all have a routine. While these routines are useful in keeping us active and help us to accomplish our goals, it is also easy to get lost in the day to day activities and forget to check in with ourselves. When this happens, our mental health and wellness is often neglected.

Maintaining mental health and wellness is an essential aspect of your overall health and well-being because it impacts both your emotional and physical health. The World Health Organization defines mental health and wellness as, “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

The World Health Organization also states that, “mental health is fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living, and enjoy life.”

Promoting and protecting mental wellness is a priority at McClellan Senior Living, an all-inclusive senior living community in Anniston, Alabama. As we recognize October 10 as World Mental Health Day, we have gathered tips to help you maintain your mental health and wellness and live life to the fullest!

Acknowledge the Positives & Practice Gratitude

We have all heard it before, but it is worth repeating: stay positive. When you focus on the positive aspects in your life, you can prevent negative thoughts and feelings.

The mind is powerful. As challenging as it may sound, staying positive and practicing gratitude can help you cope with difficult circumstances during times of stress. Actively acknowledging the positives in your life lets you focus on everything you have and what is going well instead of dwelling on what is currently causing you stress.

Get Moving, Get Active

Staying physically active can have positive effects on your mental health and wellness as well as your physical health. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals, including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and endorphins. These neurotransmitters can improve your mood, relax your mind, and relieve feelings of stress.

When we are stressed, our bodies release stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Too much of these hormones in the body can lead to negative effects on mental and physical health. Physical activity helps to balance out the chemicals your brain produces and controls the amount of stress hormones in the body, replacing them with mood-boosting neurotransmitters.

Be Mindful of What You Eat & Get Quality Sleep

These two points may seem obvious, but the truth is they are often overlooked and undervalued. Nutrition is what fuels the body and allows it to function the way it was designed, and sleep enables you to reset and refresh for the following day. By consuming a healthy diet and getting plenty of quality sleep, you can help maintain your mental wellness and physical health.

Practice Stress Management

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Accepting this and finding ways to manage and relieve your stress can help you to maintain your mental health and wellness. Participating in activities, such as meditation or journaling are healthy ways to reduce your stress levels and keep your headspace clear. Each of us handles feelings of stress and anxiety differently so it is important to find what works best for you.

Stay Connected to Family, Friends, & Neighbors

Connecting with family and friends can serve as a great way to maintain mental wellness. As humans, we are social creatures. Even the most introverted individuals need some type of social interaction. Make it a priority to reach out to a friend or family member and talk on the phone or FaceTime on a regular basis.READ MORE BLOGS ON SENIOR HEALTH

Mental Health Care

Mental wellness is a vital part of our overall health and well-being and it’s “…more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities (who.int).” When you are having trouble maintaining your mental health and wellness on your own, it may be time to seek professional help. These professionals are equipped to provide coping strategies and can assist you in managing your well-being.

McClellan Senior Living is committed to helping individuals maintain their mental health and wellness. Contact a member of our team for more information on the services we offer or to learn more about our all-inclusive senior living community.

What are the Risk Factors and Causes of Osteoporosis?

The International Osteoporosis Foundation states, “Osteoporosis affects an estimated 75 million people in Europe, USA, and Japan…Worldwide, 1 in 3 women over age 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will 1 in 5 men aged over 50.”

What is Osteoporosis?

This chronic condition is the decrease in bone density, resulting in weaker bones that break more easily than they should.

What Are the Causes of Osteoporosis?

Like many functions in the body, cells and tissues are in a constant state of renewal. When we are younger, our bodies produce bone mass faster than it breaks down, causing bone mass to increase. However, this process becomes slower as we age. Our bodies still produce new bone tissue, but not faster than it breaks down. In fact, by age 30, many individuals have reached their peak bone mass. This is why it is vital to nurture strong bones at an early age. By doing so, you supply your body with a larger reserve of bone mass for when the process inevitably slows down.

Your chances of developing osteoporosis depend on many risk factors. McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama, is dedicated to providing individuals with resources, activities, and nutrition that promote their overall health and well-being. We want to share some of the symptoms and risk factors that are associated with osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Osteoporosis

The signs and symptoms of osteoporosis are mild, making it difficult to notice when the condition is developing. Further adding to the subtleness of osteoporosis, these common symptoms are often mistaken as a normal part of aging. Knowing what to look out for and when the symptoms are cause for concern are key elements in the prevention of osteoporosis and slowing its progression.

Common symptoms of osteoporosis can include:

Back Pain
Joint Pain
Cramping or Aching Muscles
Weakened Grip Strength
Loss of Height
Stooped and Forward Posture
Bones Fracturing or Breaking Easier Than They Should
Receding Gums
Weak, Brittle Fingernails

Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

Like many chronic conditions, there are risk factors within your control and beyond your control. Managing the aspects within your power can help offset those that are not, i.e., age. Even though uncontrollable risk factors cannot be modified, it is still essential to be aware of them to further understand your chances of developing osteoporosis and implementing appropriate changes to your lifestyle.

We have provided risk factors and causes of osteoporosis to raise awareness so that you can take steps to prevent osteoporosis from developing.

Factors Out of Your Control

Age: Growing older is an unavoidable part of life, and, unfortunately, the risk of developing osteoporosis increases with age. After age 30, our bodies are slower at producing new bone material; still, the body continues to break it down, resulting in the loss of bone mass. Since you cannot control aging, it is important to consider the controllable risk factors and do what you can to keep your bones strong and healthy.

Sex: Your sex plays a significant role in osteoporosis development, and women are at a higher risk. Naturally, women tend to have smaller frames than men, meaning thinner and smaller bones. This, in itself, is a risk factor of osteoporosis. Additionally, when a woman reaches menopause, estrogen levels (a hormone in the body that protects bones) decreases dramatically and results in further bone loss.

Family History: Osteoporosis can be passed down through genetics. If a member of your immediate family has shown signs or symptoms of osteoporosis, your chances of developing the condition increase.

Factors Within Your Control

Low Calcium Intake: Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health. According to Mayo Clinic, “low calcium intake contributes to diminished bone density, early bone loss, and an increased risk of fractures.” Lower your risk of osteoporosis by consuming foods that are high in calcium, such as dairy products.

An Inactive Lifestyle: When you do not use your muscles, you lose strength and bone mass, increasing your risk of developing osteoporosis. Weight-bearing or resistance training exercises can help keep your muscles and bones healthy and strong.

READ: Senior Health Care Tips for Staying Active & HealthyUnderstanding your risk factors and consciously participating in physical activity and consuming a healthy diet can go a long way in preventing osteoporosis. At McClellan Senior Living, we offer activities and events that help keep individuals active and engaged in daily life. Beyond that, our dining services provide nutritional, balanced meals that promote an overall healthy lifestyle.

We invite you to contact a member of our McClellan Senior Living team to learn more about our services and community.

McClellan Senior Living Shares Fall Prevention Tips

Fall prevention is a growing topic among older adults and caregivers. Assessing the risk factors of a fall and taking precautions for fall prevention can make a significant difference in the likelihood of a fall occurring.

“Risk factors for falls can be broken down into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic.” Intrinsic risk factors for falls include elements such as age, gender, the use of certain medications, and existing medical conditions. Extrinsic risk factors involve environmental hazards. These hazards may include loose flooring, electrical cords, stairs without handrails, or poor lighting.

At McClellan Senior Living, a senior care community in Anniston, Alabama, we take fall prevention seriously. We have gathered tips and exercises that can help you prevent a future fall and improve your balance and strength.

Tips for Fall Prevention

Remove Clutter

Having to dodge clutter, especially in high traffic areas of your home, makes it more likely for you to lose your balance and fall. Keeping your home organized and clean is the easiest method of fall prevention. When your living space is free of clutter, it makes it easier to see where you are walking and can move about your home safely and with ease.

Repair or Remove Tripping Hazards

Loose carpet, rugs, or floorboards lead to tripping, compromising your balance, and leading to a fall. Securing rugs and carpet or replacing floorboards that stick up are essential and straightforward steps for fall prevention. When navigating through your home, you should not have to be on the lookout for flooring tripping hazards constantly.

Install Grab Bars or Handrails

Safety devices, such as grab bars and handrails, are a crucial part of fall prevention. Having something to hold on to when stepping in and out of the shower or ascending a staircase contributes to your overall stability in a major way. Even if you lose your balance, you are able to catch yourself before you fall.

Make Flooring Non-Slip

When flooring is wet, such as a shower or bathtub, it can be extremely dangerous and a slipping hazard, increasing your chances of falling. Install non-slip mats in restrooms and other slippery flooring areas (like in front of the kitchen sink) for fall prevention.

Light Up the Living Space

When a room is dark, you may not see that the rug is turned up in the corner or that there is an obstacle in your path, making it a possible tripping hazard. In dark areas of your home, add more lighting, and use nightlights so that you can navigate better throughout the night.

Exercises to Improve Balance

Standing Marches

A great way to improve your strength and balance is by marching in place. When starting, you may need to hold onto a chair or countertop.

To do this exercise, stand with your feet hip-width apart and lift one knee until your thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause here, avoiding leaning and keeping your back straight, and lower your foot back to the floor. Repeat with the other leg.

Heel-Toe Walk

Also known as the “tightrope walk,” this exercise can significantly improve your balance. To perform this exercise, first, fix your gaze on an object in front of you. This will help with your stability. Next, place one foot directly in front of the other, touching the heel of one foot to the toes of your other. Repeat with the other side and take 15-20 steps in this fashion.

Rock the Boat

The “Rock the Boat” exercise improves both balance and strength. Begin this exercise by evenly distributing your weight between both feet, hip-width apart. Keeping your shoulders squared and your torso level, shift your weight to one leg and lift the other. Hold this pose for as long as you can and lower your leg back to the floor. Repeat this motion on the other side.

READ: Senior Health Care Tips for Staying Active & Healthy

Fall prevention is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy and safe lifestyle, and improving balance and strength goes a long way in preventing injuries that can be caused by a fall.

McClellan Senior Living fosters an environment that promotes a healthy, active, and independent lifestyle. We encourage you to contact us for more information on our community, services, or how we promote health and wellness.

Celebrating Independence Day with the Senior Veteran in Your Life

Independence Day is a highly celebrated holiday in the United States. Parades through the streets, family and friends gather for cookouts, and fireworks are all staples and traditions of this historic day.

The sacrifices that our veterans have made to make this day possible are the reasons we are able to celebrate our independence and freedoms. Celebrating the Fourth of July with the senior veteran in your life is a great way to honor and commemorate him or her.

VISIT OUR VETERAN BENEFITS RESOURCE PAGE

McClellan Senior Living, located in Anniston, Alabama, honors our veterans through the care that we provide every day. We want to help you make Independence Day special for your senior veteran by sharing five ways to celebrate this day with him or her.

We also understand that there is still uncertainty and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. We are sharing this article in the hopes that it helps you plan and celebrate future holidays once social distancing is no longer necessary!

Family Gatherings

Family gatherings are a great way to celebrate any occasion, but spending Independence Day with family and friends is a great way to include the senior veteran in your life in the festivities. Simply being around the people you care about makes the day special.

Sometimes, however, this is not always a possibility. If you and your family live far away from each other and it is not feasible to travel, use technology to your advantage. FaceTime or video chat with your senior veteran.

At the very least, give them a call and talk on the phone. Use this holiday as a way to let the senior veteran in your life know that you are thinking about them and want to celebrate with them – no matter the distance!

Send Thank You Letters or Cards

This is another great way to celebrate the Fourth of July with the senior veteran in your life, especially if you live far away from each other. Sending a thank you letter or card will show them that you are thinking about them and expressing gratitude for the sacrifices they made to make this day possible.

By sending a thank you letter or card, you acknowledge that your senior veteran played a role in this holiday and are taking the time to show appreciation and connect with them.

Uphold Family Traditions

Family traditions are what make any holiday or celebration special, and every family has its way of celebrating significant moments and events. What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July with the senior veteran in your life than to honor and keep these traditions alive?

Do you always attend the local July 4^th parade? Do you have a specific spot to watch the fireworks? Upholding your family’s traditions and involving the senior veteran in your life makes the day all the more special for everyone.

Help a Veteran Share His or Her Story

As a family grows and generations are added, it is important to pass down family stories and history. The senior veteran in your life has many stories to tell, so encourage him or her to share them with the family and younger generations.

At your family gathering this Independence Day, gather the children and adults together and ask the older adults questions to spark the storytelling conversation. Whether it’s about their time spent in the armed forces, or simply memories from their childhood, these gatherings are a great way to connect multiple generations.

Honor the Senior Veteran’s Requests

It could be possible that the Fourth of July brings up unfavorable memories and feelings for the senior veteran in your life. If this is the case, honor the requests that he or she has vocalized. By doing so, you are acknowledging their feelings and are showing him or her respect. These requests present an opportunity for you to celebrate Independence Day in a different way and include your family member, so he or she feels comfortable.

At McClellan Senior Living, we use the activities and the care we provide in everyday life to honor and respect the veterans that have made so many sacrifices. Contact our senior living community in Anniston, Alabama, to learn more about the services and amenities we offer.

Sun Safety for Seniors: How You Can Protect Your Skin

The act of wearing sunscreen has been embedded in our minds since we were children. However, more than likely, it was accompanied by the warning of our skin aging prematurely, leaving the impression that sun protection was most crucial in younger years.

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential in all stages of life, even as we grow older. In fact, “most cases of skin cancer are found in people older than 65 years of age, but little attention has been given to ways to reduce skin cancer risk among people in this age group.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “nearly 18% of older adults and 15% of sun-sensitive older adults said they didn’t use any kind of sun protection regularly.”

At McClellan Senior Living, located in Anniston, Alabama, we know the importance of sun safety for seniors. Healthy skin is a significant part of overall health and wellness. We are sharing ways that older individuals can protect their skin from the dangers of the sun.

Helping a Parent Overcome the Fear of Moving to Senior Living

There can be a lot of emotions surrounding the move to a senior living community. Positive feelings, such excitement at the idea of new opportunities and experiences, peace of mind knowing that care and support will always be available, or eagerness to start living a worry-free retirement lifestyle.

But for others making the move, it can also stir up feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. These feelings can cause unnecessary stress and, in some cases, hold a person back from making the transition into a community that could improve his or her quality of life.

McClellan Senior Living offers independent living and assisted living services in Anniston, Alabama, and we know first-hand of the benefits a senior living community can have on an older adult. That is why we want to provide suggestions and tips to help a parent or loved one overcome the fears associated with moving to a senior living community.

Take Time to Understand Your Parent’s Feelings

The only way to help a parent or loved one overcome doubts and uncertainties is to find out what is causing these feelings. While every person may experience different emotions, a few common reasons older adults are reluctant to move to a senior community are:

Financial concerns
Loss of independence
Being forgotten
Leaving his/her home

Ask questions to learn what the underlying reason is for their feelings, and above all else, listen. No matter how your parent or loved one feels – his or her feelings are valid.

Empathize & Provide Reassurance

Transitioning to a senior living community is a significant decision in a person’s life. While it may seem like just another “move,” depending on the situation, it can also include lifestyle changes. For example, if your parent or loved one is an introvert who lives alone, he or she may be nervous about the idea of living in a community full of other residents and common areas – unsure how to navigate new relationships.

It’s essential to put yourself into his or her shoes to truly understand their point of view. Once you see where your parent or loved one is coming from, you can provide information to reassure and comfort him or her.

If your parent has financial concerns surrounding the move, take the time to address these. Speak with a team member at the community he or she is moving to and discuss all financial options, as well as what happens should service or care needs change. If you haven’t chosen a community yet, consider speaking with a financial planner to get a more comprehensive idea of his or her financial situation.

Loss of independence is the most common fear associated with moving to a senior living community; however, the truth is, retirement and assisted living communities aim to foster independence. Senior communities will work with a resident to ensure they are providing the appropriate level of care and support for him or her to feel comfortable and able to live as independently as possible.

Combatting the fear of being forgotten often lies with family and friends. If you visit your parent every Sunday for dinner, that shouldn’t stop now that he or she lives in an assisted living community. Most communities, like McClellan Senior Living, encourage family and loved ones to visit for meals, events, or other gatherings.

Many older adults have spent most of their lives in their home, so it’s understandable to be reluctant to leave his/her home. A new home doesn’t have to mean new belongings. Encourage your parent to surround themselves with familiar furniture, items, photos, and keepsakes to make their new space as home-like and comfortable as possible.

Don’t Force or Rush it to Happen

While this depends on your situation, it’s important not to force the move or rush the process if your parent isn’t ready. If your parent or loved one is able to stay in their home for the time being, it may be beneficial to let some time pass before bringing the subject up again. If he or she is reluctant to leave their home but requires care or assistance, consider using in-home care services to get your loved one comfortable with changes to their lifestyle and routine.

If he or she has already committed to a senior living community, speak with their care team as they may be able to provide additional support and guidance to make the transition easier for everyone involved.

While moving to a senior living community is a big change in a person’s life, many older adults and retirees will say that it’s one of the best decisions they have made. McClellan Senior Living in Anniston, Alabama, strives to improve the quality of life for our residents with compassionate care, private, home-like residences, and ample opportunities for socialization and active living.

LEARN MORE: ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES

If you have a parent or loved one considering a retirement community, we encourage you to contact us to learn more!