Category: Blog

Getting older can make certain things more difficult, like getting around and being active. However, that doesn’t mean that older adults can’t still do things that they enjoy. There are plenty of great opportunities for older adults to stay engaged and have a good time in the process.

At Celebrate Senior Living a 501(c)3 non-profit, we understand the importance of having a variety of activities for seniors. That is why we offer daily activities such as morning fitness classes, weekly events that include outings to restaurants and shopping, and monthly social events.

Six of The Best Activities for Senior Citizens

1. Join a Club – Joining a club is a great way for older adults to stay active and enjoy their favorite things. There are many different types of clubs, including reading, running, gardening, birdwatching, gaming, and more. Whatever your interest is, odds are that there are other people who share it and who would love to create a club to enjoy it with others.
2. Group Exercise – Another great activity for seniors is group exercise. This can include many different things, such as group exercise classes like Jazzercise, yoga, or tai chi; playing sports with others, like golf, tennis, horseshoes, and croquet; or spending time outdoors hiking, walking, swimming, and more.
3. Get Creative – Older adults can also get creative and take part in arts and crafts as a fun activity. Consider starting to paint, crocheting, learning to draw, or even start writing. You could even write down your life story and what you want your legacy to be. However you choose to be creative, it can be a great outlet that helps you tell a story and express how you feel. 
4. Game Night – Many senior living communities hold game nights for residents, but consider taking game night into your own hands. You can build puzzles, play board games or cards, or even get involved with video games. It’s always fun to switch things up and learn how to play new things!
5. Take Classes – Another great activity for older adults includes taking continuing education courses. Even if you don’t actually enroll in a course, you can still learn new skills and information online. You can learn a new language, take photography courses, learn how to play an instrument, and more. Then, you can share what you’ve learned with your friends and family, so even more people can enjoy it.
6. Outings and Excursions – Other fun activities include going out on outings and excursions. This includes going to concerts, plays, museums, sporting events, movies, and more. It can also be a great way to experience new things that you might not have before. It also provides a great bonding experience for you and the rest of your group.

Celebrate Senior Living is a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana with a variety of medical, social, and personal care services in comfortable long-term residential environments, including memory care, rehabilitation, and short-term stay options. 

Explore one of our three senior living and retirement communities and select the location that fits your individual health, behavioral, and social needs.

• Celebrate South Holland 
• Celebrate Niles 
• Celebrate Fort Wayne 

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the many benefits of senior living housing be sure to check out Celebrate Senior Living. 

Though the terms “Dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” are typically used interchangeably, there are many key differences between Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. Typically referenced when describing memory issues in older adults, it is important to take note of how to distinguish the two diseases in order to determine the best treatment or aids. While there are currently no cures for either of these diseases, identifying exactly which type of memory loss an individual has will allow you to plan the best way to ease symptoms.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term used to identify a wide range of symptoms involving a decline in mental ability, many times, severe enough to interfere with daily life. Symptoms often include a decline in memory retention, frequent forgetfulness, poor judgment, or reduced reasoning. You may also notice changes in language, behavior, and decreased attention that interfere largely with typical daily functions. Dementia is not a specific disease, but an umbrella for conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions,  and is not a normal part of aging. There are many different types of dementia, each with its own symptoms and causes. Learn more about the early warning signs of Dementia.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, is a specific term for the most common cause of dementia— it accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. A patient that has Alzheimer’s disease, caused by a combination of factors that affect the brain over time, starts to display signs of mental decline within their daily activities and interactions. 

One of the earliest signs is forgetting new information, as it is believed to first affect the part of the brain associated with learning. Other early signs of Alzheimer’s include having trouble thinking of the right word, forgetting recent events or conversations, and confusing the names of objects or places. Thought to be caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells, these proteins create plaques around brain cells while tangling other brain cells around, damaging cells and causing complex brain changes. 

Although there are no known cures for Alzheimer’s disease or any type of dementia, there are certain treatments and therapies that can help ease symptoms in patients. Often, there are special programs designed to aid in a loved one’s cognitive function, through Memory Care facilities that specialize in taking care of patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s

How To Help Your Loved One Suffering From Memory Loss

Dealing with a loved one suffering from Memory loss can be one of the most rigorous and demanding experiences a caretaker can have. In many cases, one caretaker is balancing all of the responsibilities and supervision while trying to juggle their personal life simultaneously. While engaging the patient in cognitive activities is a great way to help them cope, it is not always easy. At Celebrate Senior Living, we offer Memory Care services and other care options to help your loved one live life to the fullest!

At Celebrate Senior Living, we are committed to celebrating the moments, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime for our senior residents and their loved ones. We are a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana residents by offering a variety of medical, social, and personal care services through each of our different living options for seniors. This includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing living options.

Explore one of our three senior living and retirement communities and select the location that fits your individual health, behavioral, and social needs.

• Celebrate South Holland
• Celebrate Niles
• Celebrate Fort Wayne

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the senior living housing options we can offer, Celebrate Senior Living today!

Choosing a long-term residential senior care facility for your loved one is challenging. When you start your search you’ll see that there are many different senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. If your loved one is suffering from dementia, Alzheimers, or memory issues, then they may benefit from a senior living facility that focuses on adult memory care and provides specialized therapy and memory-enhancing support. Residential senior living facilities that focus on memory care offer a number of services that go beyond typical assisted living. If your loved one has been referred to a memory care facility, or has been diagnosed with progressive or degenerative dementia, educate yourself about the benefits of memory care.

• Secure Facility – Memory care facilities are completely secure so residents can’t wander outside or access areas where they could potentially hurt themselves. There are also enhanced security systems in order to keep all residents safe, even in the event of an emergency. Memory care is offered as an option at many senior living communities, but in a separate, secure facility.

• Specialized Programming – Memory care facilities also offer specialized programming specifically for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s. This programming includes memory-enhancing activities, as well as other social events where residents can spend time with each other.

• 24-Hour Care – Another difference between memory care and other senior living options is that memory care facilities offer 24-hour care for residents and always have a trained medical professional onsite. This allows the facility to respond to any needs or emergencies that may arise, no matter the time of day.

• Specialized Staff – Memory care facilities also employ specialized staff who are trained to work with older adults with Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia. Staff members also conduct wellness checks to make sure residents are doing okay, as well as helping them with things like medication, getting dressed, and bathing.

• Housekeeping – Just like other senior living options, memory care also includes housekeeping for residents. This is especially important for residents with dementia who may not remember what they need to do or who struggle to do things themselves.

• Meals – Most senior living options include meals and dining, but these meals are even more crucial for memory care residents. Dementia can make all decisions difficult, including deciding what to eat, and many individuals often fail to eat a balanced diet because of it. Having meals provided, prepared, and planned for residents takes all of this stress away and ensures they get the necessary nutrition each day.

At Celebrate Senior Living, we are committed to celebrating the moments, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime for our residents and their loved ones. Celebrate Senior Living is a licensed memory care facility and employees specially trained staff and team members. We are a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana with a variety of medical, social, and personal care services in comfortable long-term residential environments, including memory care, rehabilitation, and short term stay options.

Explore one of our three senior living and retirement communities and select the location that fits your individual health, behavioral, and social needs.

Celebrate South Holland 

Celebrate Niles 

Celebrate Fort Wayne 

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the senior living housing options we can offer, contact Celebrate Senior Living today! 

As we age, it’s important to understand the significance of staying socially active with friends and family. Individuals who fail to maintain healthy relationships end up with a greater risk of suffering from chronic diseases, elevated risk factors, and mental health issues. Unfortunately, older adults tend to become disconnected for various reasons, including lack of transportation, travel distance, and health conditions. However, joining a trustworthy senior care community, like Celebrate Senior Living, can help overcome these challenges in many ways.

1. An Active & Socially Engaging Environment

One of the most significant benefits of being part of a community is that it presents older adults with the perfect opportunity to meet new people! By living in an active and socially engaging atmosphere, residents are always in a position to spark up a good conversation. Most senior living communities offer social activities, programs, and events for residents, which help them to have fun and meet their fellow residents. These interactions benefit the resident by positively impacting their physical, emotional, and overall health and wellbeing.

2.Peer-to-Peer Support

When older adults become a part of a senior living community, they join the perfect environment to foster valuable bonds and create new friendships. Whether it’s through conversation in common spaces or participating in similar activities, the atmosphere provides residents the chance to interact with people they may not have met prior. By finding peers they are able to identify with, there is plenty of room for conversations, laughs, and fun! Even the not-so-fun stuff like seeking advice, reaching out for help, and empathizing through difficult situations become easier when seniors have these connections to lean on.

3. Higher Self-Esteem and More Self-Confidence

Being part of a senior living facility creates the opportunity for individuals to socialize and make new friends, whether it’s through a meal or engaging in games and activities. This promotes self-confidence and the feeling of belonging, creating stronger mental and emotional wellness with the release of “good” hormones to make the body even stronger in the fight against disease and illness. Ultimately, when you feel better about yourself, have a sense of belonging, and create authentic relationships, a healthy lifestyle will follow.

4. Healthier Physical and Mental Lifestyle

Fitness is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle at any age, however, exercise is incredibly beneficial for seniors! By being part of a community, seniors have convenient access to indulge in healthy habits through life enrichment and fitness programs. These programs are great for both physical health and mental wellness as they are designed and implemented according to one’s capabilities. They also help older adults discover new sports or activities they are interested in, all while interacting with fellow residents.

5. Healthier Meals and Diets

A balanced diet is not only an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but a great way to foster social connections! At home, seniors are at a higher risk of poor nutrition as it’s more difficult to go grocery shopping or cook well-balanced meals, leading to skipped meals. Poor diet is detrimental to health, especially in older adults as they need more vitamins and nutrients. Most assisted living communities provide dining plans that offer healthy, delicious meals that match the nutritional needs of senior citizens, saving your loved ones the trouble of preparing, cooking, and cleaning up their own meals.

At Celebrate Senior Living, we are committed to celebrating the moments, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime for our residents and their loved ones. Whether it’s through assisted or independent living, we provide seniors their own space while maintaining a friendly community atmosphere with other older adults. We are a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana with a variety of medical, social, and personal care services in comfortable residential environments, including memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing options.

Explore one of our three senior living and retirement communities and select the location that fits your individual health, behavioral, and social needs.

• Celebrate South Holland
• Celebrate Niles
• Celebrate Fort Wayne

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the senior living housing options we can offer, contact Celebrate Senior Living today!

Aging can bring about many changes for older adults that aren’t always easy to accept, like being less active, slowing down, and needing help for certain things. While it may take some time to get used to, assisted living facilities, or retirement communities, offer a variety of personal care and health services that appeal to the specific needs of seniors. Celebrate Senior Living is a 501(c)3 nonprofit housing foundation committed to providing the senior community with a life that is celebrated, meaningful, and hassle-free while delivering professional skilled help and resources.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a residential setting that offers personalized support and health care for older adults and the senior community. Assisted living facilities are a great housing option for individuals who want to live as independently as possible, but need some caregiver support with non-medical, activities of daily living (ADLs), like eating, bathing, maintaining hygiene, and using the restroom.

Assisted living facilities provide seniors with the opportunity to live in their own space while maintaining a community atmosphere with other older adults. Assisted living communities typically have common areas such as dining halls, libraries, gyms, pools, and walking paths that encourage and support social benefits.

What does an assisted living facility provide?

1. Personalized Care in a Residential Setting – One of the main benefits of choosing an assisted living facility is the support that seniors receive with activities of daily living. Whether it’s help with eating, housekeeping, or bathing, assisted living facilities have trained staff members ready to help residents with their needs. Most communities also have 24-hour on-site staff in case of emergencies.
2. Community – One of the most difficult things about aging is feeling isolated from others. Assisted living facilities allow seniors to safely engage in social activities and a healthy lifestyle. Residents have ample opportunities to meet and spend time with others without having to worry about transportation. They can make new friends, enjoy their hobbies with others, and feel a sense of belonging.

• Nutritious Diet – Most assisted living communities provide dining plans that offer healthy, delicious meals that match the nutritional needs of senior citizens. In an assisted living community seniors can live maintenance-free and not worry about buying, cooking, and cleaning up food—which also provides more free time to enjoy themselves.

• Entertainment – Most assisted living communities offer many different entertainment options, including sports like golf and tennis, outings to different shows and performances, and other group activities for seniors—like movie nights and art classes. This allows seniors to enjoy themselves and do things they might not have the chance to if still living by themselves.

• Safety – Assisted living facilities provide 24-hour staff and security services to support an age-friendly environment that supports senior health and safety. Living in a senior community can help limit the risk of falls, avoid accidental prescription misuse, and eliminate many property hazards.

At Celebrate Senior Living, we are committed to celebrating the moments, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime for our senior residents and their loved ones. We are a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana with a variety of medical, social, and personal care services in comfortable residential environments, including independent and assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing options.

Explore one of our three senior living and retirement communities and select the location that fits your individual health, behavioral, and social needs.

• Celebrate South Holland 
• Celebrate Niles
• Celebrate Fort Wayne 

If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the senior living housing options we can offer, contact Celebrate Senior Living today!

Aging is an area of increasing awareness, so much so that the United Nations has created the global collaboration effort, the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). One of the major action areas is “age-friendly environments,” creating spaces that allow seniors to “continue to do the things they value.”

You can create age-friendly environments in your own spaces by following these six tips for senior health and safety!

6 Safety Tips for Seniors

1. Take steps to mitigate fall risk.

According to the CDC, falls are the number one cause of injury and death from injury among older Americans. Keep yourself safe and steady by reducing the risk of falls. You can do this many ways. Consider the following ideas:

• Exercise regularly to maintain your strength
• Stand up slowly to avoid dizziness
• Use caution on stairways and employ handrails and anti-slip treads
• Ensure adequate lighting so you can always see where you’re going
• Have your vision checked regularly
• Use night lights
• Store commonly used items in easy-to-reach places
• Always wear shoes with traction
• Put anti-slip mats in the bathroom
• Use extra caution in winter and allow others to help you clear snow and ice

2. Medicate safely.

Make sure your prescriptions are up-to-date and that you are carefully following all instructions. Ask your pharmacist for large print labels.

3. Take advantage of technology and hardware.

Consider using senior safety devices like the following:

• Wearable alarm devices
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Bathing chairs
• Raised toilet seats with handlebars

4. Maintain easy access to emergency numbers.

Always know where to quickly find emergency numbers. This includes emergency contacts, your physician, emergency services, and Poison Control.

5. Do little things to make life easier.

Adapt your surroundings to rid yourself of potential problems. Use single lever door handles rather than round knobs to make doors easier to open. Sleep on a firm mattress to give yourself more support and stabilization.

6. Be wary of scams and abuse.

Keep your doors and windows locked. Discuss telephone offers with people you trust. Do not share your personal information with strangers. Don’t feel pressured to make purchases, donate, or sign contracts.

Following these simple steps will help you increase your safety so your golden years can be long and joyful. Have fun and stay safe!

At Celebrate Senior Living, we are committed to celebrating the moments, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime for our residents and their loved ones. We are a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana residents by offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing living options.
If you or a loved one are interested in senior living options, schedule a tour with us today! You can also learn more by exploring our communities, which include South Holland, Niles, and Fort Wayne, or by contacting us with any other questions!