“It’s a happier relationship now,” says Clare Strohman, describing the changes she’s noticed since her mother moved to a senior living community.

Clare says Ginny Sims has always been known for her smile and sparkle. She said that both are back now since her mom has been living in Terracina Grand. “There is more friendship now, and I felt like we had lost that.” 

During National Pet Month, we reflect on the fact that caring for animals is good for our health. We can all attest to the mood lifting and stress relieving benefits of having a pet around. Beyond the countless benefits animals have for senior residents living within our managed communities, our team members equally benefit.

Friendships help us celebrate the good times in life and support us through the challenges. As our kids move out and start families of their own, our ties with the friends in our lives become even more important. And while it is all too easy to become isolated within your own home, senior living communities offer many opportunities for new friendships to blossom.

“If you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia. Everybody is absolutely different,” said Wendy Wells, daughter of a resident in Naples, Florida. “You’ve got to meet that person where they are. Find out who they were and work with them where they are at right now.”

You love your family home. You have so many great memories celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings and more. It seems like all the best times of life are wrapped up in this home.

“Aromatherapy is a great first resource to consider because it is holistic and natural,” said Tina Vauthier, Executive Director at Westpark Village senior living community in Billings, Montana.

When Betty Becker’s husband was diagnosed with dementia, they made the decision to receive additional support at a nearby senior living community.

“This is home,” Betty said. “We moved in 2006 so this is the only home we’ve had [since then], and I am very content. I was able to continue for a number of years working at the bank knowing he was happy here.”

Maintaining good dental health isn’t just about having a bright, winning smile—although that’s a great goal. It’s also about maintaining overall good health. Studies increasingly show that healthy teeth and gums correlate to overall health, especially a healthy heart. While that’s true for anyone, it’s especially important for seniors. As we age, changes can occur in our oral health, including drier mouth and sensitive gums and teeth. But these can be avoided. Here are four simple tips for dental and oral care for seniors.

“Her quality of life, I hate to admit this, I think it's better than living with me,” Garry Wright explains as he glances over at his wife, Marcia. “When she was living with me, she was just seeing me. We were going out to lunch or doing other things, but it was always with me.”

“My husband has been coming here almost a year and a half now, 3 days a week,” says Linda Walsh-Klein, the wife of an adult day care participant. “I am trying to keep him active socially. I think he needs to be with people that get him.”