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What is an Independent Living Community?

February 22nd 2023

As you age, there is a common misconception that senior living communities are only for seniors who need assistance or care. You wouldn’t want this misconception to cause you to miss out on everything independent living communities have to offer.

What is independent living? Independent living covers a variety of housing options for seniors. However, it most commonly refers to communities that offer fun and active lifestyles but take away the stress of being a homeowner. In independent living communities, residents enjoy living community life with different luxuries and amenities.

Independent living is designed to make life more convenient in retirement. Many independent living communities offer housekeeping services, meal options, and transportation services, alongside all the other convenient amenities offered.

Grace Management, Inc. communities offer our independent living residents many convenient amenities. With the day-to-day freedom to come and go and the convenience of any number of activities to choose from, independent living at GMI communities is the perfect fit for an active and healthy lifestyle. Our independent living communities offer amenities like all-inclusive dining, a fitness center, a beauty salon and barber shop, game rooms, movie theaters, libraries, and more.

All the amenities sound great, but why should you choose independent living? It may feel too soon to consider selling your home and moving into independent living. Here are some reasons to consider independent living:

Connections with peers – Many people understand the effects social isolation has on seniors. Once you move into an independent living community, you have access to a multitude of built-in social interactions in everyday life. This will help you prevent falling into social isolation.
Constant activity – There will always be something for you to do while living in an independent living community. From planned physical activities to an eventful social calendar, you will always have a variety of activities to choose from.
Freedom – You aren’t responsible for the hassle of taking care of a house or yard once you move into an independent living community. If you don’t want to cook or do dishes, you don’t have to. You can spend your time pursuing what interests you.
Easy access to care – As you age, more often than not, your health will begin to change. Many independent living communities also have an assisted living option that allows you to have the care you need where you are already.

Interested in learning more about what independent living communities can offer you? Head over to the community page on our website and filter by independent living to find a Grace Management, Inc. community near you.

Questions to Ask When Moving Into a Senior Living Community with a Pet

February 15th 2023

Moving into a senior living community with a pet is exciting and can sometimes be stressful. Learning the rules and policies different communities have on pets can be overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what questions to ask.

Many senior living communities understand the benefits pets can have for their owners, and pet-friendly senior living communities are becoming more common. When you begin your search for a community, all it should take is a quick look at the communities website to find out if they are pet friendly. The next step is to take some time and ask questions about the pet policies the community has.

1. Are there any rules or restrictions to be aware of about types of pets?

Every community has its rules regarding pets, which can include types or breeds of pets you are allowed to have. Some communities may only accept animals such as dogs and cats. Every community will have a different policy, so it is important to find one that fits your needs the best.

2. Do you have a restriction on the number of pets per resident?

Communities will often restrict the number of pets a person can bring or adopt while living in the community to one or two.

3. Are there any restrictions on the age of a pet?

Many senior living communities will discourage or restrict younger pets like puppies or kittens, as they can be more destructive. Each community has a different set of rules and requirements in place that is important for you to know when choosing the community that works best for you.

4. Is proof of health or vaccination required?

A community may require vaccinations for the safety of all pets. Knowing all the requirements and having the paperwork ready upon moving in is important.

5. Do you require a pet deposit?

Expect to owe a pet deposit and maybe even a monthly pet fee. Be sure to ask about any additional costs you may incur because of your pet.

6. Are service animals excluded from certain rules?

Many communities will make exceptions to rules if you have a service animal. For example, if pets aren’t generally allowed in the dining room, the community should make exceptions for service animals who must be with their owner at all times.

7. What happens when a resident can no longer take care of their pet?

There is always the possibility that there will come a time when it becomes harder to care for your pet. Learning if the community is willing to provide help in these situations or if they can work with you to arrange for services to be provided in these situations.

8. Are there any restrictions for dogs or cats going outside?

If you own an active dog, they will need to spend time outside to get exercise. Check if the community has a dog park or a fenced dog run. If you have a cat who is used to having the ability to come and go as they please, it is also a good idea to learn if it’s okay for your cat to wander the halls of the community.

Finding a senior living community that fits your lifestyle and needs is important. Every Grace Management, Inc community is pet friendly and is excited to welcome you and your furry friend to your NEW home! Are you interested in learning more about Grace Management, Inc. communities? Check out the community page on our website.

It’s not like home. It is home.

Self-Care Tips for Seniors

February 8th 2023

Self-care is a popular topic and is essential to remember, especially as we age. Self-care is integral to maintaining health and wellness as you age, and it is important to stop to consider self-care as a senior and how it affects your health.

You may be wondering, what exactly is self-care? Self-care is the process of establishing behaviors to improve your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It is anything that can help improve our health and well-being, and it is important to implement self-care as a part of daily life regardless of age. Here are some self-care tips to consider this year:

Eat a healthy diet – eating wholesome and nutritious foods is one of the best forms of self-care. Incorporating foods like grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats into your diet can help boost your mood, energy, and immune system and maintain mental clarity.
Hydration – drinking water is a health tip that is common for a good reason. Drinking water is key to keeping your body functioning as it should, and it can impact your mood and keep your mind sharp! Make drinking water a goal and priority as part of your self-care routine.
Exercise – at any age, prioritizing exercise is a great way to implement self-care. Staying active and fit keeps your body functioning. So whether you enjoy going for relaxing walks, swimming, or something else, prioritizing exercise is an excellent investment in your self-care.
Enjoy the outdoors – spending time outdoors is very beneficial to your health. Relaxing outdoors and spending any amount of time in the fresh air is an easy way to implement self-care into your daily routine.
Socialize with your peers – maintaining a social circle may not be what you think of when you consider self-care, but it is an important part of daily life. Many studies show the positive health benefits of socialization on mental health. Take the time out of your day to spend with your friends, and check out some of the benefits in this blog.
Find ways to relax – finding ways you enjoy relaxing is a great way to implement self-care. Some examples are yoga, leisurely outdoor walks, meditation, journaling, and more. Take the time to figure out what you enjoy most.
Revisit a past interest – is there an old passion or hobby that you enjoyed while you were younger that became less of a priority? One of the benefits of retirement is that you have more free time to reinvest in these hobbies or passions. This is a great way to practice self-care – prioritize yourself and your passions, and you will always have something to look forward to.

If you are interested in focusing on self-care and your health and well-being, head to the Grace Management, Inc. communities page and find a community near you. It’s not like home. It is home. ™

Heart Health For Seniors

February 1st 2023

February is American Heart Month! This is the time of year to raise awareness for heart disease and different ways to work on your heart health as a senior. As you age, your risk for heart disease increases, and according to the CDC, one person dies every 34 seconds in the United States from heart disease.

In honor of American Heart Month, we wanted to help you learn how to improve and maintain your heart health as you age

Heart Healthy Diet

Your diet is a great place to start considering your heart health and how you can work to improve it. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy diet includes

Whole grains
Fruits and vegetables
Healthy sources of protein
Minimize the intake of added sugar, processed food, and salt
Limit alcohol

Take the time to read nutrition labels and understand what you are putting in your body.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the number one causes of preventable death, and smoking can raise your risk of heart disease and worsen existing conditions. If you are currently a smoker and are struggling to quit, take some time to talk with your primary care provider about the programs available to you.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your heart health because it decreases your likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, and high blood pressure. Talking to your primary care provider can help you determine the best way to lose and maintain a healthy weight.

Stay Active

Staying active and ensuring you have a form of regular physical activity. Daily physical activity can help lower your risk for many conditions, including heart disease. Try and take a walk or garden each day, anything that gets you up and moving. Talk to your primary care provider about the best physical activities for you

Sleep

You likely hear this all the time, but sleep is the key to improving your health in many ways! Sleep supports brain function, and getting the recommended amount of sleep lowers your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more.

Know the Symptoms and Understand Your Risk

Knowing the symptoms of heart disease and understanding your risk are two important parts of heart health. The early signs of heart disease are hard to notice, which is why it is important to have regular visits to your primary care physician. Be sure to contact your primary care physician if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Your risk for heart disease depends on many factors, some of which you can change and others you can’t. Talk to your primary care physician to determine and better understand your risk factors. Talk about your risk and discuss a prevention and treatment plan.

To learn more about American Heart Month, visit the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org.

The Living Gracefully Award Recipients

January 25th 2023

In 2022, Grace Management, Inc. announced the first recipient of The Living Gracefully Award. What is The Living Gracefully award? The purpose of the Grace Management, Inc. Living Gracefully Award is to recognize GMI associates or constituents who exemplify the Grace Culture of Caring and Leadership within their role, responsibilities, or involvement at a Grace Management Inc. community. Here are the current recipients of The Living Gracefully award:

Karen O’Hara is the Executive Director of Parkrose Estates and was the first recipient of The Living Gracefully award. O’Hara led the Parkrose Estates community after the community experienced a water line rupture in January of 2022, displacing more than 90 residents. Residents returned home to Parkrose Estates on September 26th, 2022, following a state-of-the-art renovation completed in partnership with local contractors.

Rosemarie Caldwell celebrated her retirement as Executive Director of Northgate Park in November of 2022 and was named the second recipient of The Living Gracefully Award. Caldwell has served and led the community at Northgate Park for five and a half years and truly exemplified the Grace Culture of Caring and Leadership in her time as Executive Director.

Robyn Johnson is the Executive Director of Beach House. In early October, when Hurricane Ian hit, Johnson, a Minnesota native who had never experienced a hurricane before, stepped up and led the Beach House community in their pre-storm preparations as they got ready for Hurricane Ian’s landfall. Johnson led the community calmly during and after the Hurricane and worked with her team to provide the best possible care to residents during this time.

Ron Aylward is the Executive Director of Heritage Oaks of Englewood. During Hurricane Ian, Aylward demonstrated strong, stable leadership and courage. Heritage Oaks of Englewood was in the direct path of Hurricane Ian. Residents and associates alike didn’t have enough of a warning to evacuate and hunkered down in the community. Aylward worked with his team to ensure the safety of residents during and after Hurricane Ian.

Thomas Watson is the Executive Director of The Summit of Fort Myers. Less than 24 hours before Hurricane Ian hit, Watson learned that Fort Myers was in the direct path of the Hurricane and needed to evacuate their residents. Most of the residents were able to stay with family, but several had no other choice but to go to shelters. Watson worked tirelessly after Hurricane Ian had passed to ensure the residents of The Summit of Fort Myers were able to come home as soon as possible and welcomed each of them home personally.

Congratulations to both of these amazing recipients of The Living Gracefully Award. This award is well deserved.

To learn more about Grace Management, Inc. and our communities, please visit our communities page. To learn more about these Living Gracefully Award recipients, visit the news section of our website.

Senior Living Communities and Mental Health

January 18th 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 20% of people aged 60 and older experience some form of mental health concern. It is important to understand how senior living communities can improve mental health and how common mental health issues in seniors can be addressed in senior living communities.

Mental health disorders are not a standard part of aging. Seniors’ most common mental health concerns include depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. How can senior living help?

A senior living community can provide a renewed sense of purpose. Our lives are filled with many roles that we play (parents, siblings, children, friends, coworkers, etc.). Each of these roles provides us with a unique purpose. It is often easy for seniors to feel like they have lost this sense of purpose in their lives amidst the feeling of loneliness, isolation, and even the loss of independence.

Living in a senior living community helps create a supportive environment that can give seniors a renewed sense of purpose as they age. Senior living communities create opportunities for seniors to engage in activities that interest them and build friendships within their neighborhood at the community.

Finding a feeling of belonging. Just because the years of parenting and working have ended doesn’t mean seniors are no longer a part of something bigger. Senior living communities offer many opportunities for fun, socialization, companionship, and inclusion. A benefit of living in a community is the sense of belonging that seniors find.

Senior living communities offer support. Aging comes with side effects that can be difficult to deal with, including an impact on mental health. Senior living communities provide support for seniors struggling with their mental health, with a system that provides social support and professional support when needed.

There are plenty of opportunities for socialization and engagement with peers. As a senior adult, living alone can make it easy to slip into a routine that causes isolation which can become a mental health risk. It is normal to crave regular human interaction, and it should be a priority to have regular social engagements with your peers. This can be difficult when you live on your own.

In a senior living community, there are many opportunities for residents who share common interests to socialize. Grace Management, Inc. communities provide residents with shared meals and a calendar full of life enrichment activities. Socialization is built into senior living communities.

Find a sense of safety in your home. The idea of facing age-related physical and mental challenges can be intimidating and create anxiety around daily life functions. Seniors who live alone have an elevated risk that can give a cause for concern.

By curating safe and comfortable environments for residents, senior living communities help relieve this mental burden. In addition to providing transportation for residents, many senior living communities also offer support and assistance with daily activities, depending on the level of care needed. This can ease seniors’ mental stress and improve their quality of life.

At Grace Management, Inc., our communities work hard to support our residents and their mental health if you are interested in one of our communities, head over to the communities tab on our website to find one near you!

Budgeting Tips for Seniors

January 11th 2023

Budgeting is a challenging topic for many people, especially when living on a fixed income, as many seniors are. Budgeting for important life decisions, such as if you can afford to move into a senior living community, can be overwhelming. Once you have given up your regular paycheck to move into retirement, you have a set amount of money to live off of. Having a budget is important for planning for your future, especially as you consider retirement. Here are some of our favorite budgeting tips to help you make the best decision.

Begin by estimating your expenses. There are different costs to consider as a senior adult, especially as you begin budgeting for retirement. Do you have plans to travel? Have you considered the cost of healthcare and taxes? There are also day-to-day expenses to consider, such as utilities, groceries, gas, entertainment, and more.

If you are considering senior living options, many communities include the cost of meals, utilities, and more in their monthly rent. This will ensure that you can easily budget for all these expenses.

Learn how to stretch your budget. There are different strategies that can help you learn how to make your money go further in retirement. This can include living below your means, investing your money, paying off any debt you have acquired, and even selling your home.

Be prepared for health care needs. As you age, there will likely be an increase in unforeseen healthcare needs. If there is any unexpected emergency or you are diagnosed with a condition requiring constant care, it is important to be prepared.

Find ways to cut out unnecessary expenses. Consider your monthly expenses and see if there is anything you don’t need anymore. Can you lower the cost of your monthly internet bill? Or consider getting rid of your landline phone? Finding even the smallest expense that you can cut out can help stretch your budget in the long run.

Do you own your home? Property taxes are often a huge expense for seniors that can easily be eliminated if you consider a senior living community. There are many options that can fit your budget and needs!

Are you interested in learning more about a Grace Management, Inc. community? Head over to the communities page on our website and find a community near you.

It’s not like home. It is home. ™

Healthy Goals for Seniors in the New Year

January 4th 2023

The New Year is here; it is the time to reflect on the past year, what this year has taught you, and look forward to this upcoming year. In considering your goals for the upcoming year, make sure you choose attainable goals that will enhance your quality of life. Although each individual will have their own goals, here are some healthy and positive ways to refocus your energy.

Be Active – this year, commit to being intentionally active for at least ten minutes a day. This can be as simple as a walk around your community, a water aerobics class, or intentional stretching. It is important that you do an enjoyable physical activity so that you will look forward to it each day.

Physical activity is safe and healthy for seniors. Many conditions improve with consistent, intentional physical activity. Consider talking to your primary care physician about what activities will help you best.

Sleep – As you age, it is important to aim for nine hours of sleep each night. Getting the right amount of sleep helps improve your health, including your memory and immune system

Many seniors struggle to fall and stay asleep. To get better sleep, try to avoid screen time and caffeinated beverages before bed, and stay active during the day to tire yourself out.

Eat Well – Seniors need to consume fewer calories but more nutrients. As you age, it is important to begin eating more nutritious foods and make more considerations about what you are eating. Talk to your primary care physician about diet and nutrition and see what they recommend for you as you age.

Socialize – Did you know that social engagement is linked to better overall health and cognitive function in seniors? Make it a goal this year to participate in community social activities and actively avoid loneliness this year.

Exercise Your brain – Regularly challenging your mind as you age is a great way to reduce the risk of memory loss or developing dementia. It can be as simple as reading every day, completing the daily crossword puzzle, or trying a new hobby that keeps your mind occupied.

This new year, focus on healthy goals that will improve your day-to-day life. Be intentional in setting your goals.

At Grace Management, Inc., we work to provide seniors with a home. It’s not like home. It is home. ™

What Is An Active Living Community?

December 28th 2022

As you begin exploring senior living options, you may have come across the term ‘Active Living Community’ or ‘55+ Community,’ but what does this term mean? How do these communities differ from other senior living communities?

For adults that are nearing retirement age, active living communities are beginning to grow in popularity. Active living communities aim to offer convenient services and resort-style amenities to adults aged 55 and older who would like to live independently while still having access to these amenities.

There are many benefits to choosing to live in an active living community, including:

Convenient Amenities – having access to great amenities such as a fitness center, golf simulator, pool, theater room, salon, and more is a great perk of active living communities.
Community – when you live in an active living community, you are surrounded by a community of peers. Socialization adds value to your life as you age. Your children and grandchildren are always welcome to visit, but overall, active living communities are quiet and retirement friendly.
Less Maintenance – if you have become tired of the upkeep and maintenance a house needs, an active living community may be the perfect choice for you.
Comfortable Living Spaces – as you begin to age, sometimes you find yourself in a home where you only use a few rooms regularly. Moving into an active living community will allow you to live somewhere with less to maintain and worry about.

Grace Management, Inc. is excited to announce our first active living community, The Lakes, at Woodhaven Village in Conroe, Texas. This active living community broke ground on October 5th, 2022 and has a planned Spring 2024 opening. We are excited to provide the Conroe community with this state-of-the-art active living community.

Follow their Facebook page, The Lakes at Woodhaven Village, to keep up with construction updates!

Cold Weather Safety for Senior Adults

December 21st 2022

As the temperatures drop, it is important to consider cold weather safety. Senior adults are more sensitive to the cold and run a higher risk of developing health issues and injuries related to cold weather. It is important to know the risks and how to address them to have a safe and enjoyable winter.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. Senior adults are more susceptible to hypothermia because their bodies lose heat faster than they used to.

One of the best things you can do is stay warm. Make sure your house or apartment temperature is warm enough, and dress warmly in layers. Take the time to wear warm socks or slippers while inside and continue to move to keep your blood flowing.

Frostbite

Another danger of cold weather is frostbite. Severe frostbite can occur within 30 minutes of exposure to freezing temperatures. Senior adults are more susceptible to frostbite because of their lower body temperature. Avoid frostbite the same way you would avoid hypothermia.

Falls

Senior adults are at a higher risk of slipping and falling during winter months. If you live in an area with snow and ice, there are precautions you should be taking to prevent incidents of falling this winter. Make sure the steps and walkways are clear before you walk on them – especially if the pavement looks like it could be wet or iced over.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Once the cold weather hits, it becomes common to use gas-powered fireplaces, furnaces, and other heating sources. There is likely to be a spike in carbon monoxide poisoning. It may not be the first thing you think about with winter safety. Still, it is important to be aware of the possibility and the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including confusion, nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

Flu

The winter months are the height of flu season, and senior adults should be cautious since it is more difficult for their immune system to fight the flu virus. Senior adults are also more susceptible to complications from the flu virus. It is important to get your flu shot every year and if you can avoid larger crowds of people to avoid coming in contact with the virus.

Taking time to be aware of safety measures this winter is important and can help ensure you are healthy and happy all winter long.