Is Living at Home a Safe Option for Aging Adults

There are many older adults that still live independently in their home. This is the place they have spent most of their lives making memories. However, as they age, mobility, balance and health needs change. This can be cause for concern and is why families ask themselves if staying home is still a safe option for their loved one.

Aging in place may offer familiarity and comfort. The issue with aging in place is that the senior is surrounded by tripping hazards like stairs, bathrooms and furniture. Living at home means you have to keep up with home maintenance like yard work, in-house upkeep, and general cleaning. If  you or your loved one live alone, the big concern is that there won’t be anyone to help during an emergency. This kind of worry may make life uneasy for family members wanting their loved one to get the best care they deserve.

 

Communities offering assisted living in Ann Arbor are designed to help address these concerns. We offer features such as accessible living spaces, emergency response systems, licensed nurses, and assistance with daily activities. This can help families by giving them peace of mind while also allowing our residents to have their independence.

 

Read more on our website! 

 

We’re committed to providing quality service for assisted living in Ann Arbor. We value our residents as they enrich our community. We would love for you to schedule a tour and see what Hillside Terrace is all about.

How We Help New Residents Feel at Home in the First Month

The first month in assisted living sets the tone for everything that follows. The goal is simple: help new residents feel safe, respected, and truly at home. 

From the moment residents arrive, they’re encouraged to personalize their living space with familiar items—photos, artwork, and favorite furniture—to ease the emotional adjustment. 

 

Our team takes time to learn preferences, routines, and interests, creating a care plan that reflects each individual’s lifestyle.

 

As residents settle in, consistent daily routines bring comfort and confidence. Mealtimes become social opportunities, activities encourage connection, and gentle staff support helps residents remain as independent as possible. By week three, many residents begin forming friendships and engaging more fully in community life.

 

By the end of the first 30 days, families often feel reassured knowing their loved one is thriving in a trusted assisted living in Ann Arbor community—supported by compassionate caregivers and surrounded by opportunities for connection.

 

Schedule a tour to see how we make the transition to assisted living welcoming and reassuring.

Learn how we help new residents feel comfortable, confident, and cared for during their first 30 days here.

The First 30 Days in Assisted Living: What Families Should Expect

Choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor is a meaningful step for both seniors and their families. While the decision often brings peace of mind, the first few weeks can still feel emotional and unfamiliar. Understanding what happens during the first 30 days can make the transition far less stressful.

The move into assisted living begins long before move-in day. Each new resident receives a personalized assessment covering health needs, medications, dietary preferences, and daily routines. This allows the care team to provide customized support from day one.

 

During the first week, residents are welcomed at their own pace. Staff members help them get oriented, explain daily schedules and dining options, and introduce caregivers who will be part of their everyday lives. Regular check-ins ensure residents feel supported both physically and emotionally.

 

By weeks two and three, routines begin to feel familiar, and many residents start participating in meals, activities, and social events. As friendships form and confidence grows, assisted living becomes less of a transition—and more of a home.

 

Learn how we help new residents feel comfortable, confident, and cared for during their first 30 days here.

Why Lifelong Learning Should Be a Key Part of Your Senior Living Plan

We know that learning doesn’t stop at retirement. In fact, it’s just getting started! Lifelong learning offers incredible benefits for seniors—from improved memory and reduced risk of dementia to better emotional health and daily fulfillment.

Our residents take advantage of everything from adaptive learning tools to one-on-one support from trained caregivers, ensuring that everyone can participate regardless of physical or cognitive challenges.

 

Read more on our website!

 

If you’re looking into Senior Living Services in Ann Arbor, discover how we empower older adults to pursue curiosity, creativity, and community every day.

Schedule your visit today by calling 734-761-4451!

Unlocking New Passions: Lifelong Learning in Assisted Living

Retirement isn’t the end of personal growth—it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter! We believe that lifelong learning is a vital part of wellness in your golden years. Seniors who engage in art classes, book discussions, or technology workshops experience sharper minds, deeper social connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.

 

When you're exploring Senior Living Services in Ann Arbor, choose a community that embraces educational enrichment. From guest lectures to intergenerational learning programs, we offer residents the opportunity to continue growing and thriving every day.

 

Want to enrich your retirement years? Contact us today at 734-761-4451 to learn more or schedule a tour!

How to Choose the Right Senior Living Care Type

The best way to choose the right senior living care type is to talk to your doctor or a senior living advisor. They can help you assess your needs and recommend the best options for you. You should also consider your budget, lifestyle, and preferences. It is important to visit different senior living communities to get a feel for the atmosphere and the staff.

If you're looking for assisted living in Ann Arbor, be sure to do your research and compare different communities. Assisted living in Ann Arbor can provide your loved one with the care and support they need to live a fulfilling life.

Tips for Choosing a Senior Living Community

• Do your research. Read reviews online and talk to people who have experience with senior living communities.
• Visit the community. Take a tour of the community and meet the staff.
• Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the community's services, amenities, and staff.
• Consider your budget. Senior living communities can be expensive, so it's important to consider your budget.
• Get help from a senior living advisor. A senior living advisor can help you find the right community for your needs.

Choosing the right senior living care type is an important decision. By taking the time to research your options, you can find a community that meets your needs and helps you or your loved one live a happy and fulfilling life. 

Learn more about finding the right senior living care for you here.

Schedule a Tour Today

We warmly invite you to visit our community and see firsthand how we can make a difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Discover the freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind that assisted living in Ann Arbor can provide.

Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our services.

Why is independence a big deal?

Staying in control feels good! It keeps your mind sharp and your spirits high. Assisted living communities that understand this create a more positive experience for their residents.

Learn how we empower resident autonomy here.

 

Schedule Your Tour Today! 

We provide an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! 

If you’re interested in learning more about independent living in Ann Arbor or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451.

Cultivating a Culture of Empathy and Compassion at Hillside Terrace

Empathy and compassion are essential components of effective caregiving. Our assisted living staff receives training on how to communicate effectively with residents, listen attentively to their concerns, and provide emotional support.

Promoting mental health and wellness is so important in assisted living. This requires a holistic approach that addresses unique needs and challenges of their residents. At Hillside, the mental well-being of our residents is important, we ensure they thrive in an environment that feels like home.

 

Learn more about how Hillside Terrace promotes mental health here.

 

Allow Your Loved One to Live Comfortably - Hillside Terrace Assisted Living Ann Arbor 

 

When your aging parents move into an assisted living community, you won’t have to worry if someone is there to help get them back on their feet. If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living in Ann Arbor at Hillside Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451

Hillside Terrace Partnered with Japanese Martial Arts Center in Ann Arbor

Every two weeks residents at Hillside Terrace Senior Living attend classes geared toward older adults at the Japanese Martial Arts Center (JMAC) in Ann Arbor. All classes are tailored for different levels of fitness, injury issues, and mobility ranges. 

At Hillside Terrace, we offer many opportunities for physical exercise including: NuStep, daily exercise class, volleyball, bocce ball, and a walking group.

You can combine purposeful exercise and healthy lifestyle habits at any age. It isn’t necessary for adults to drastically alter their current lifestyle to reap the physical and mental benefits of exercise. You just need to make a few tweaks that can have a larger impact on overall health. We can help you live a longer and happier life!

Learn more about the benefits of martial arts in your golden years here.

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living in Ann Arbor at Hillside Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451

Best Types of Martial Arts for Your Aging Loved One

Tai Chi – This is a soft type of martial arts that is comprised of flowing movements. 

Jiu-Jitsu – This martial art involves a lot of groundwork, strengthening your entire body and can improve your overall hip flexibility.

Wing Chun – This is a martial art that focuses on open-handed strikes instead of close-fisted strikes.

Learn more about the benefits of martial arts in your golden years here.

Schedule Your Tour Today! 

Hillside Terrace provides an “aging by choice” philosophy. We work with your family to create the best possible living situation for your senior relative. Our housing, dining, and care services will make your loved one feel at home! 

If you’re interested in learning more about assisted living in Ann Arbor at Hillside Terrace or scheduling a tour, contact us today! 734-761-4451.

Caregiving or Assisted Living?

Are you considering moving your elderly parent into your home?

Deciding whether you should move your elderly parent into your home can be difficult. You may feel like you owe it to your parents, but is it the best decision for everyone? Caregiving within the family is a viable option for many people, but not for everyone. Ask yourself: are you able to provide for your elderly parent’s needs?

Needs and Socialization

Some elderly folks are healthy and independent, but they could
have specific medical needs and need extra assistance with everyday tasks. Many elderly individuals need help with activities of daily living (ADL’s) like getting dressed, using the bathroom, and getting around the house. Are you comfortable performing these tasks? Do you have the time to devote to them?

It's also important for your elderly parent to have plenty of socialization—isolation can quickly lead to senior depression and loneliness. Does your work situation allow you to spend time with them? Will there always be someone at home to keep them company? If they’ll be alone for long periods of time, at-home caregiving may not be your best option.

Read more about caregiving vs. assisted living here.

Fulfill Their Needs with Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

Before deciding to move your elderly parent into your home, consider choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor. Hillside Terrace treats your elderly loved ones like family; they get the care and attention that they deserve, and you don’t have to drastically alter your life. Give us a call at (734) 761-4451 or submit a contact form and ask about our senior living accommodations.

Assisted Living in Ann Arbor for Your Loved Ones

 Are you acting as a caregiver for your elderly family member?

You want the best for your aging family members and friends. Many of us would drop everything to help them, but it’s simply not realistic to be available at all times. Caregiving takes a heavy toll on a person’s physical and mental health. Even if you have an endless wealth of love for the person in your care, it can be a heavy burden to carry.

Learn more about the responsibilities of elderly caregiving here.

Choose Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

If you’re constantly stressed from the duties of caregiving, not only will the quality of your life go down, but the quality of your elderly loved one’s life will go down. Your happiness is a key ingredient to the happiness of your loved ones, especially those in need of elderly care. By choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor, you’re still showing how much you love them—you care enough for them to have a safe, peaceful place to live, with ample help from professional caregivers. 

To inquire about moving your loved one into Hillside Terrace, give us a call at (734) 761-4451 or contact us on our website!

The Duties of a Caregiver for the Elderly

Does your elderly loved one need help with daily activities? 

According to aplaceformom.com, there are ten daily responsibilities that caregivers will face:

1. Prepare a care plan
2. Assess your care plan regularly
3. Assess medical needs
4. Monitor medications
5. Assist with basic needs
6. Help with housekeeping
7. Prepare meals
8. Assist with transfer and mobility 
9. Provide transportation
10. Provide companionship

Learn more about the duties of elderly caregiving here. 

Contact Hillside Terrace for Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

Some individuals need more care than others. For many people, excelling at these duties and keeping up with their own life is an incredibly difficult balance. This is one of the reasons that Hillside Terrace strives to create a happy, healthy environment for your aging loved ones.

To inquire about housing your loved one at Hillside Terrace assisted living in Ann Arbor, give us a call at (734) 761-4451 or contact us on our website!

Ready for Retirement but a Parent Needs Elderly Care?

Are you looking forward to your retirement?

Are you caring for elderly parents?

Are you worried about the cost for assisted living?

It can be worrisome to take care of your elderly parents. Especially if you leave for the day only to come back and find that they struggled while you were gone. According to a Place for Mom, “here are some common resources to explore to pay for your parents’ senior care:” 

- Home equity

- Investments

- Long- Term Care Insurance

- Pensions

- Retirement or Savings Accounts

- Social Security

- Medicaid

To learn more, read “When You Want to Retire but a Parent Needs Elderly Care.”

Best Elderly Care in Ann Arbor: Schedule a Tour Today!

After raising a family together, you may decide that keeping up a home is too much for you. And that’s okay! There are many communities for elderly care in Ann Arbor that will allow you the flexibility to create a retirement lifestyle that is perfect for you!

For more information about elderly care and the other services we provide, visit us at HillsideTerrace.net, or contact us here! Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!” Schedule a tour today! 

How to Decide If You’re Ready to Make a Retirement Plan

Still feel like you’re too young to make a real plan for retirement? Are you interested in a retirement home in Ann Arbor but think you’re jumping the gun? Retirement age still a couple years away and not sure if you need to start making a plan?

When retirement is just around the corner, you might feel like you don’t need a plan for your retirement beyond your saving. You feel fine to carry on just as you are, in the same house, doing the same things, just with a little extra free time to enjoy. But when is the right time to start planning for your retirement? To find out if you’re ready, ask yourself these simple questions about retirement today:

1. Can you picture yourself enjoying a community of retirees? You don’t have to be ready to move into a retirement community today, but if the idea of the community sounds appealing to you now, or like it could be appealing one day, it’s not too early to start planning!

2. Are you interested in an easier day? If you can imagine a day with less housework, a smaller space to maintain, and all around simpler care, downsizing or moving to a community could be in the cards for you. If you’re already thinking about the perks of less work, it’s time to start planning. 

3. Do you need ample time to adjust to a new environment? If you’re the type of person that takes time to warm up and feel comfortable with change, don’t delay planning a move to a community or downsizing. Just making plans, even if they’re for a fairly distant future, can really help with the adjustment period. 

4. If you’re married, will you feel more comfortable making a plan and moving with your spouse? People often end up waiting until the loss of a spouse to plan a move to a retirement community, which can increase the difficultly several times over. Instead of waiting, start making a plan to move while you’re still a couple. 

Asking yourself these questions and others like them can be a great tool to help you realize you’re ready to make a plan for your retirement and your future. Whatever your plan may look like, it will give you great peace of mind to talk about it with your family and know that your outlook is bright. Reach out to the experts at Hillside Terrace Senior Living today to talk about your options for retirement. Remember that at Hillside Terrace, our family shares life with yours.

3 Things Seniors Wish They Considered before Planning Retirement

Are you planning retirement but aren’t sure which options are best for you? Looking for advice to help you plan your post-retirement path? Are you interested in a retirement home in Ann Arbor or still unsure if it’s the best way to go?

In your 50s, your retirement planning probably consists of saving as much money as you can. But there’s a stage of life that can come later that too many of us avoid planning for. Seniors who have been retired for some time will tell you there are considerations you should account for now, even if it seems like you are planning for things that are very far away. 

1. Spouse

Professionals working in a retirement home in Ann Arbor see the scenario again and again: a senior will move to a retirement community or assisted living only after the loss of their spouse and struggle unnecessarily. After a loss, moving to a new community can feel incredibly sudden, and disorienting. People who move into a retirement community with their spouse have a much easier time adjusting. That’s why many seniors would advise younger retirees to move to a community while you’re still young and still a couple.

2. Family

As much as some of us want to delay planning for the later stages of retirement, we also don’t want to leave the burden of making tough decisions up to our children and family. To make things easier on yourself and your family, many seniors would advise younger retirees to create a long-term plan now and make sure to talk about it with your family in case a difficult situation arises. 

3. Health 

It can be hard to plan for or even think about a time when you might be much less vibrant, sharp, and physically capable. But the facts are that many of us will require extra medical care and attention at some point in our golden years. Seniors would advise younger retirees to plan for the possibility and start looking into Continuing Care Retirement Communities, home nurses, or living with relatives long before it’s a necessity. 

Planning with these considerations in mind might not be your idea of fun, but putting a plan in place will solidify your retirement path for your entire future and make transitions much easier on you and your family. Reach out to the experts at Hillside Terrace Senior Living today to talk about your options for retirement. Remember that at Hillside Terrace, our family shares life with yours.

How to Choose the Best Retirement Community in Ann Arbor

Planning on making the move to a retirement community in Ann Arbor? Ready to retire but aren’t sure which community would be best? Want to be sure you’re making the right choice in retirement community?

Selecting a retirement community in Ann Arbor can be a stressful task. If you play your cards right, you’ll be choosing a home that could serve you for the rest of your life. No pressure! But don’t worry; you can make the choice easier with a simple process of building a list of your top priorities in retirement. Once you have a list just pick the community that’s the best match!

To get started on your list, answer some simple questions like these:  

1. Are you active?

If you’re active, that’s not something you want to change when you move into a retirement community. Look for a community that encourages and supports your active lifestyle. Less active seniors can choose a community that will help you meet your goals and maintain high quality of life. 

2. What are your medical care needs? 

Consider your current and future needs. If you already require regular medical assistance, a community that provides the right level of care is essential. Even if you’re perfectly healthy today, you may want to plan for the possibility of illness or accident in the future. 

3. What elements of your lifestyle do you need to accommodate? 

Whether you have pets, travel for extended periods, or can’t imagine living without a garden, important features of your lifestyle should be considered in your choice. 

4. Who is paying and what is the budget?

Whether you or a family member is paying, it’s important to be upfront and realistic about a budget. You don’t want to have to move later if it turns out the bill is not affordable. 

5. What are your memory care needs?

With an Alzheimer’s, dementia, or related diagnosis, access to memory care is very important. The heavy burden of these conditions can often be lessened by the right community and care. 

6. What amenities are you most interested in? 

Do a little browsing and make a list of 5 amenities that are most important to you, be it a fitness center, large grounds, or something more unique that will really bring you joy!

Reach out to Hillside Terrace Senior Living in Ann Arbor today!

A little legwork goes a long way! When you prepare a list of priorities by asking yourself a few simple questions, choosing the right retirement community becomes much easier. If you have more questions about retirement communities in Ann Arbor, contact us today. At Hillside Terrace, our family shares life with yours. 

3 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Retirement Community

Need help choosing a retirement community in Ann Arbor? Weighing your options for retirement? Hoping to make the search for a retirement community simpler? 

Choosing a retirement community in Ann Arbor shouldn’t be all business and no fun. But to make sure you find the best community for your needs, you may need to ask yourself and your family some tough questions. It’s best to get this task taken care of early so you can make the right decision in retirement communities and move on to the fun side of being retired! 

Questions to Ask When Searching for a Retirement Community in Ann Arbor. 

1. Who is paying and what is the budget?

This is an issue to settle early. You don’t want to stretch the budget too thin and end up moving to a new community or put anyone in financial trouble. Be totally honest and realistic about the budget before you dig into a search for communities. Some communities may offer discounts, credits, or be able to help with housing assistance.

2. What are your memory care needs?

Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other conditions that require memory care can be difficult to handle for all parties involved. If you’re already dealing with a diagnosis, finding a retirement community that is equipped and experienced in memory care is essential. The right care can dramatically improve quality of life as these conditions progress. 

3. What are your medical care needs? 

Consider your current needs and also consider the future. If you have a medical condition that is well-managed today, you may not be able to say the same in 5 or 10 years. Choose a community that can meet your needs today and in the future rather than planning to move. If you already have regular medical needs, look for a community that will keep you in the best health possible. 

Reach out to Hillside Terrace Senior Living in Ann Arbor today!

Consider these tough questions with your family and loved ones early in the process so you can confidently choose a retirement community in Ann Arbor that will best suit you. Remember, once you handle the serious business, it’s time for fun!

If you have more questions about retirement communities in Ann Arbor, contact us today. At Hillside Terrace, our family shares life with yours.