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Taking care of our minds and our bodies is important at every stage of our lives. We need specific nutrition and exercise at different points in our lives in order to grow and develop properly, and stay healthy. If these needs aren’t met, we are more likely to suffer from negative health issues and be more prone to getting sick.

Staying healthy later on in life is particularly important as our bodies age and change. That’s why seniors should know all of the necessary information so they can take care of their bodies and stay as active and healthy as possible. In this article, we’ll share some of the top senior health tips to help you stay at your best.

Important Health Guidelines for Seniors

• Exercise Daily – This may sound extreme, but it’s not what you think. You don’t have to exercise like you did when you were in high school, but instead find something small that you can do every day. The key is to do whatever you can handle and don’t overdo it. It can be as simple as going for a walk, cleaning your home, or even dancing. Anything that gets you moving is beneficial.

• Stay Hydrated – Another important senior health tip is to stay hydrated. It can be all too easy to fall behind on drinking water each day, especially when there are other drinks like coffee and tea around. Seniors are more vulnerable to dehydration, which can also lead to adverse health effects, so consider carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Stay Connected With Others – It’s also important for seniors to stay connected with others as they age. This is because having limited social interactions can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even depression. Part of caring for your overall health is practicing good mental health, and interacting with others is an important part of life for everyone.

• Be Mindful of What You Eat – Another important senior health tip is to be mindful of what you eat. Just like at other points in life, there are certain nutrients that benefit older adults as they age. Discuss with your healthcare provider what your particular needs are and make sure you are getting the required nutrients each day. You should also follow general healthy eating guidelines to be at your best.

• Take Your Medications – Medications are prescribed by your doctor for a reason and should be taken as instructed. Sometimes it can be difficult keeping track of which medication to take and when, so consider using an app to help track your medications and remind you when you need to take them.

• Stay Up to Date on Doctor Visits – This could go without saying, but it’s an important reminder: stay up to date on your doctor visits. The best way to stay healthy is to attend routine checkups so you can determine if there are any issues or changes in your body. If you are already managing a condition, it’s even more important that you continue to seek the help of your doctor so that they can assist you on the best path forward.

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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!

Most people make it a priority to support charities and nonprofit organizations during their lives. They usually do this through making donations or volunteering in order to carry out the organization’s mission. Most nonprofits help provide essential services or goods to people who need them. But did you know some nonprofits are also committed to providing living arrangements for seniors? In this article, we’ll explain the advantages of nonprofit senior living.

What Are the Advantages of Not-for-Profit Retirement Communities?

• Price – One of the advantages of nonprofit senior living communities is that they can be more affordable than their for-profit counterparts. Nearly 80% of all senior living communities are for profit. Because of this, their primary concern is with making as much money as possible, which often leads to increased prices for residents, limited amenities and offerings, cost cutting, and more.

• Level of Care – With for-profit communities focused on increasing profits, they also don’t always provide the same level of care as nonprofit communities do. Often, for-profit communities hire less qualified nurses and staff members, and have a high turnover rate. On the other hand, nonprofit senior living communities provide residents with the necessary care they need and focus on hiring qualified individuals who care about the work they do.

• Growth and Improvement – Unlike for-profit communities, nonprofit senior living communities put all of the money they generate back into the community to grow and improve the services they provide their residents. They don’t make any profit from the rent or fees they charge. Instead, the organizations are invested in the residents they serve, so it is always a priority to make any improvements and use their money to provide the highest quality of care.

• Community – While many for-profit communities feel like living in an apartment complex with strangers, nonprofit senior living communities provide a true sense of community. This is because nonprofit communities often make it a priority to give residents the opportunities to meet and bond with fellow residents. This can be through scheduled activities, planned trips outside of the community, playing sports, exercise classes, enjoying onsite amenities, and more. It’s not only important that residents get the care they need; they should also feel as if they belong to something bigger than themselves and are at home within the community.

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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!

Many public health efforts have continued to stress the importance of mental health and the effect it can have on our daily lives. However, there’s a specific group of people who are often overlooked in those conversations—seniors. That’s problematic, as individuals who are 65 or older account for almost 20% of the U.S. population—nearly 60 million people. In this article, we’ll explain the importance of mental health in our senior population.

Mental Health and Older Adults

Senior mental health is often overlooked, even though it is just important as mental health is for everyone else. The relationship between seniors and mental issues can actually be even more trying as individuals age and face increased difficulty with normal functions. Here are some of the main reasons why mental health in older adults is so important:

• Seniors Are at Higher Risk of Feeling Isolated – Being isolated from others can lead to feelings of depression and other mental health issues, and seniors are at a higher risk of feeling isolated as they age. It’s estimated around 25% of individuals over the age of 65 are socially isolated. When we don’t have social interactions with others, it affects our mental well-being and can negatively impact our mental health. In fact, individuals that feel socially isolated have a 50% higher chance of developing dementia.

• Cognitive Functioning Can Decrease With Age – As we age, our bodies can lose some of their functionality, including cognitive functioning. When our brain isn’t operating the same way it used to, it can affect how we process things, feel, and view situations, others, and ourselves. About 15% of individuals over the age of 60 suffer from a mental disorder. Aging can also bring about diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s that further affect brain functioning, which can increase the risk of other mental health issues developing.

• Mental Health Can Impact Overall Health – Mental health can also impact the overall health of older adults. When we feel isolated or depressed, it can increase our risk of premature death in many different ways. For example, we often turn to bad habits to try and make us feel better, like smoking, drinking, and eating. These can negatively affect our overall health and lead to things like obesity, stroke, heart disease, and even suicide.

If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 right away. There are also specific mental health services for seniors that can help provide the support you need.

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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!

As we grow older, our needs and our abilities begin to change. Things that were once easy become more difficult. Homes that were once full have entire rooms that sit unused. Adjusting to these changes is not always easy, but it is usually a necessary step for many older adults. One of the main things to look into during these times—for individuals who are not aging in place or living with family—is different senior housing options. But how do you know which option is right for you?

Determining which senior living option is best for you depends on your particular needs. In this article, we’ll explain the main senior housing options available, how they compare to one another, and help give you a sense of which option may be best for you.

The Main Senior Housing Options and How They Compare

• Independent Living Communities – For individuals looking into senior housing, independent living communities are the first option to consider. These types of senior living communities are usually apartment-style and allow seniors who are still independent to live in a community with others their age. These communities usually offer a variety of amenities, including meal plans, group activities, sports, exercise classes, and more.

• Assisted Living – The next senior housing option to consider is assisted living. Assisted living also involves living in a community atmosphere and is for seniors who require assistance with daily living tasks, such as eating, bathing, using the restroom, maintaining hygiene, and more. These are usually non-medical tasks, and residents are still able to live independently in the community, simply receiving the required help when they need it. It’s estimated that nearly 7 out of every 10 people will require assisted living care at some point in their life.

• Skilled Nursing – This senior housing option is for individuals who require help with daily medical care. Skilled nursing facilities offer the highest level of care and have medical professionals available to help residents 24/7. This is generally an option for seniors with serious medical needs or individuals who are recovering from an injury and need routine care.

• Memory Care – This senior housing option is not one that older adults choose for themselves, but instead is a choice family members and loved ones make. Memory care is for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other significant memory impairments. Memory care facilities have a medical professional and trained staff on location 24/7. They also offer a secure community where residents are supervised and can’t wander out of the facility. Memory care also involves assistance with daily functions and memory-enhancing activities to help residents.

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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!

When it’s time for you or a loved one to look into alternative living options—like skilled nursing facilities—in order to receive the necessary assistance, there can be a lot of different factors to deal with. How much assistance do you need? Which type of service is best for you? Which facility fits your needs and wants? There are many different questions to answer to ensure you find the best fit for your new home. In this article, we’ll highlight the most important things to look for in a skilled nursing facility.

The Most Important Things To Look For in a Skilled Nursing Facility

• Accreditation and Ratings – Two of the main things to look for in a skilled nursing facility are accreditation and rating. The best skilled nursing facilities will be both JCAHO accredited and have a high CMS rating. These two measures indicate the quality of care and overall service that a facility provides, and are two of the easiest ways to separate good facilities from sub-par ones.

• Nursing Staff – Another important thing to look for in a skilled nursing facility involves the nursing staff. You’ll want to know how many nurses the facility employs, and what type of nurses they are. Making sure that there is a good ratio of nurses to patients and that nurses are registered or certified will guarantee that you get the best care possible. You’ll also want to check to make sure there isn’t a high turnover rate of nursing staff, so you know that the nurses enjoy working at the facility and you’ll receive a high quality of care.

• Services – Next, you’ll want to look at the services that are provided at a certain facility. You wouldn’t move somewhere if they didn’t offer what you need, right? That’s why it’s important to know what you are looking for and the services you need. You can also consider facilities that offer various tiers of service, in case you end up requiring more or less later on.

• Location – Finally, you should consider the location of all the skilled nursing facilities you are looking at. You don’t want to be hours away from your family and friends. While there are other important aspects to consider, the ability to be near family and friends and have them visit is crucial. You want to find the best fit in a facility that is in your home area. You’ll also want to choose a location that you know is safe and secure.

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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!

Getting the care you need is important for your health and overall well-being. However, the healthcare system can be incredibly confusing, especially when it comes to what type of insurance you have and what it covers. Depending on your situation, that coverage may be Medicare or Medicaid.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). CMS exists to provide resources and support for all individuals on Medicare or Medicaid plans. One of the things that CMS provides is ratings for healthcare institutions. But what exactly is a CMS rating?

CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System in order to help patients and their families/caretakers compare nursing homes and other medical facilities more easily. The CMS star rating system rates facilities and the services they provide on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best rating, where significantly above average quality care is offered, and 1 is the lowest rating, where significantly below average quality care is offered. This helps patients and their loved ones find quality care and determine any questions they may have about what is offered at a certain facility.

At Celebrate Senior Living, we have a CMS rating of 5 and are JCAHO accredited, so you can trust that our assisted living and retirement communities offer superior services that elevate the standard of assisted living and redefine the principle of retirement communities. 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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!

The time may come someday when your living needs shift and you consider making a change. Perhaps you or a loved one have too much space and need to downsize, want to be part of a community more, or need a little extra assistance with certain daily tasks. These changing needs often lead to senior living communities that provide many different services and types of care. But how do you ensure you choose the right community? One thing to look for is a community that has JCAHO accreditation.

What Is JCAHO?

JCAHO stands for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations—also referred to simply as “the Joint Commission.” The Joint Commission was created in 1951 to evaluate health care organizations and motivate them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. Organizations that live up to these standards are awarded “accreditation,” which signifies that they have met certain criteria with the level of care and services they offer.

The Joint Commission is the oldest and largest accrediting body in the healthcare sector, and it has continued to set standards in the industry since its inception. The JCAHO standards are measures that are used to evaluate how well a certain department or health system is performing in regards to the overall goal of patient safety and improved health outcomes. These JCAHO guidelines are used by healthcare organizations in order to implement policies and processes for their various departments within their health system.

The JCAHO standards are multi-faceted and include many essential steps that are vital to achieving positive health outcomes. Each individual standard is made up of a combination of certain elements and processes, such as:

• Staffing
• Care plans
• Equipment maintenance
• Procedures
• Cleaning
• Uniforms

At Celebrate Senior Living, we are JCAHO accredited, and our assisted living and retirement communities offer superior services that elevate the standard of assisted living and redefine the principle of retirement communities. 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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!
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!

There are many changes that can come with aging, such as healthcare coverage, living arrangements, physical limitations, worrying about a will and testament, and even figuring out life insurance. These changes can often be confusing and complicated. That’s why we’re here to share this guide to life insurance for seniors.

What You Need To Know About Life Insurance Policies for Seniors

The best life insurance for seniors will depend on their specific situation and what they are able to afford. This is because there are several different types of senior life insurance. It’s important to understand the differences between all of these options in order to make the best decisions. The different types of life insurance for seniors include:

• Term Life Insurance – Term life insurance policies are usually the cheapest option available to seniors, especially if you are in good health and are willing to take a medical exam. Term life insurance is temporary, with policies usually lasting for 10 or 20-year periods. However, this means that individuals over 80 years old may have difficulty securing a term life policy. Term life policies help to provide financial support to a beneficiary or cover your debts should you die during the policy term.

• Whole Life Insurance – Whole life insurance policies provide coverage for the entirety of your life, giving you long-term peace of mind. As long as you pay the premiums, they will pay out your benefit no matter when you die. These policies invest a portion of your premiums into a savings account, which then builds cash value. This allows you to withdraw the cash or take out a loan against its value. Whole life policies are generally more expensive than term life policies. This is especially true when purchasing a policy later in life, since the insurer may have to pay out the policy sooner if your health declines.

• Guaranteed Issue Life Insurance – Guaranteed issue life insurance policies—often referred to as “senior life insurance” or “final expense insurance”—allow you to get coverage without a medical exam. Instead, they usually only require that you fill out a health questionnaire. This is a good option if your health prevents you from qualifying for other life insurance coverage. However, because of this, you usually have to wait two years until full benefits are available, and coverage rarely exceeds $100,000.

• Funeral Insurance – Funeral insurance—also known as “pre-need insurance”—is usually purchased directly from funeral homes. The payout of the policy’s benefit then goes directly to the funeral home after you die to cover the cost of prearranged funeral services.

• Guaranteed Universal Whole Life Insurance – Guaranteed universal whole life insurance—also referred to as “term for life”—is a combination of permanent and term life insurance. Instead of selecting a certain term or number of years to cover, these policies allow you to choose what age you want the policy to expire. Guaranteed universal whole life insurance policies offer lower premiums than whole life insurance policies, and generally provide high coverage amounts with little cash value. 

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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!

Covering health-related costs is something that nearly every American has to worry about. However, paying for healthcare can become even more confusing and difficult as you get older. That’s why we’re here to explain the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.

Medicare vs. Medicaid

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal medical insurance program. Medicare mainly provides medical coverage for individuals over the age of 65, regardless of their income. However, it also provides coverage for individuals who are disabled, suffering from chronic conditions, and dialysis patients. The medical bills of those covered by Medicare are paid from trust funds that the covered individuals have paid into over the course of their lives through taxes.

Medicare patients usually have to pay part of their healthcare costs through deductibles for hospital costs and other specific expenses. Those covered through Medicare may also be required to pay small monthly premiums for non-hospital coverage. There are 4 main parts of Medicare covering different things—prescription drugs, medically necessary services, hospitalization, and supplemental coverage.

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a federal-state medical assistance program and varies from state to state. This program follows federal guidelines, but is run by local and state governments. 

Medicaid primarily serves low-income individuals, no matter their age. Because of this, patients covered through Medicaid generally don’t have to pay for any of their covered medical expenses. However, there are certain instances where a small co-payment may be required. Medicaid also offers additional benefits that are not usually covered by Medicare, like personal care services, nursing home care, and other types of long-term care.

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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!

There hasn’t always been a strong relationship between seniors and technology, but that has changed recently. In fact, more and more seniors are embracing technology each year. In the last decade alone, technology usage among seniors has doubled. With seniors using technology increasingly often, it’s important to discuss some of the best options for them. In this article, we’ll share some of the best technology for seniors.

The Best Technology for Senior Citizens

• Smartphones – Perhaps the most important piece of technology for seniors is a smartphone. Smartphones allow seniors to keep in touch with family members and friends via texting, calling, video calling, and more. They also give seniors a camera wherever they go, as well as allowing older adults to use their favorite apps.

• Tablets and e-Readers – Similar to smartphones, tablets and e-readers offer seniors a way to stay in touch with others, read e-books, surf the internet, video call, and use all of their favorite apps.

• Amazon Echo – The Amazon Echo series is one of the most popular pieces of smart home technology for seniors. These devices allow seniors to use voice recognition to play music, call someone, set a reminder, and more. While there are many different Echo devices, the Amazon Echo Show is the best option as it offers a large touch display and can also place video calls.

• iRobot Roomba – Older adults should also consider getting an iRobot Roomba to help keep their living space clean. This device offers a simple and hands-free way to keep floors clean, which means less sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and bending over for older adults.

• Home Security Systems – Another vital piece of technology for seniors—especially if they live on their own—is a home security system. There are dozens of options out there with various features. Some options like Ring offer a simple doorbell camera so you can keep an eye on the front of your house, while others like Simplisafe offer a complete home security system with multiple cameras, sensors, and more.

• Apple Watch Series 4 (Or Later) – There are many smartwatches and fitness trackers out there to help seniors stay active and healthy, but the Apple Watch (Series 4 or later) combines those devices with important medical alert features. The Apple Watch acts as an emergency alert system that can call for help in the event that you fall or suffer an injury.

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. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!

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!