The "Sandwich Generation" and the Hidden Cost of Caregiving

Caregiver burnout doesn’t just happen at home; it bleeds into your career, your marriage, and your health. For many in the "sandwich generation," balancing aging parents and growing children feels like a losing battle.

Choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor provides a transformative practical relief:

• Career Focus: Re-engage with professional goals without "phone-call anxiety."
• Personal Wellness: Finally find the time for your own doctor appointments and the gym.
• Family Balance: Attend your child’s soccer game or school play without the guilt of leaving an aging parent alone.

 

Don't let your own life stall. Discover how structured support can help you rebuild your personal and professional ambitions by reading more on our website!

 

Reclaim Your Peace of Mind Today

 

You’ve spent so much time looking after others—it’s time to find a partner who can look after your family’s peace of mind. We provide more than just premier Assisted Living in Ann Arbor; we provide a bridge back to the life you and your loved one deserve. Experience the relief that comes with professional care, vibrant social calendars, and a community that truly feels like home. Let us handle the daily details so you can get back to making memories as a family.

 

Contact us today to schedule a tour and see how we can help your family thrive.

Communicating with Compassion - Navigating Difficult Conversations

One of the most challenging aspects of transitioning your elderly parent to assisted living or another care setting is the conversation itself. How do you convey your concerns and intentions with sensitivity and compassion?

We believe that open and honest communication is paramount. Here are some tips to help you navigate these difficult conversations:

 

• Choose the Right Time and Place: Create a calm, private environment where your parent feels safe and heard.
• Lead with Empathy: Acknowledge their fears and concerns. Avoid blaming or minimizing their feelings.
• Focus on Their Well-being: Emphasize that the goal is to provide them with the best possible care, which may require professional assistance.
• Listen Actively: Allow your parent to express their emotions without interruption.
• Involve Professionals: If necessary, a geriatric care manager or therapist can facilitate difficult conversations.

 

Remember, communication is a process, not a one-time event. Be patient and persistent. Hillside Terrace, a leader in "Elderly Care Ann Arbor" is here to help guide you through this process.

 

Read more on our website!

 

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 elderly care in Ann Arbor  can provide.

Recognizing the Shift - When Caregiving Becomes Too Much

Caring for an aging parent is a journey of unwavering love and dedication. But what happens when that journey reaches a crossroads? When the weight of responsibility becomes overwhelming, and you realize you can no longer provide the level of care your parent deserves?

We understand this deeply emotional transition. It's not simply about feeling "burned out." It's about recognizing a fundamental shift in your parent's needs and your own capacity. It's about asking yourself the tough questions:

• Has my parent's health changed dramatically? Are their needs exceeding my ability to provide safe, effective care?
• Am I sacrificing my own well-being? Are my health, relationships, or career suffering?
• Is my parent truly thriving under my care? Or are they merely existing?

Acknowledging this shift is not a sign of weakness, but a courageous act of love. It opens the door to finding solutions that prioritize your parent's well-being. If you are looking into "Elderly Care Ann Arbor" options, know you are not alone in this journey.

Read more on our website!

 

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 elderly care in Ann Arbor can provide.

 

Best Christmas Gifts for Your Senior Relative

Not sure what to get your loved one who has everything this holiday season?

Hillside Terrace has you covered! We’ve got some ideas your loved one would love.

According to A Place for Mom, these seven innovative products for the elderly will provide entertainment, simplify chores, and enhance safety:

1. Hero digital pill dispenser – This dispenser can hold up to 10 different medications and can be customized to your loved one’s medication schedule so they never forget to take a pill.
2. GrandPad – Is a tablet that’s easy to use to play games, listen to music, and video chat with friends and family. 
3. Amazon Echo Dot – This smart compact speaker is easily portable. Includes easy to use features like chat, music streaming, news, games, set alarms to take medication, and more.

Get more gift giving ideas here!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

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! Let our family take care of yours.

Hillside Terrace is a facility for assisted and independent living Ann Arbor. Call us at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!

7 Best Innovative Gifts for Seniors This Christmas

According to A Place for Mom, these seven innovative products for the elderly will provide entertainment, simplify chores, and enhance safety:

1. Hero digital pill dispenser 
2. GrandPad
3. Amazon Echo Dot
4. Tile Sticker
5. COWIN E7 Active Noise Canceling Headphones
6. Nest Doorbell 
7. Fitbit Versa 3 

Find out more about the 7 best innovative gifts for seniors here!

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

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! Let our family take care of yours.

Hillside Terrace is a facility for assisted and independent living Ann Arbor. Call us at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!

Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

Paying for elderly care can be difficult, but luckily, there are a number of ways to make assisted living affordable. With a little bit of help, you can smoothly transition your loved one in to a structured, social environment where assistance for daily life is readily available. 

Many families pay for assisted living with private funds, through a few different avenues including personal savings, pension funds, and retirement accounts. The National Council on Aging offers a senior program that helps to cover drug prescriptions, food, hearing care, dental care, vision coverage, and energy bills. Surprisingly, certain chronically ill seniors are able to receive significant tax deductions, which can go a long way.

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

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! Let our family take care of yours.

Hillside Terrace is a facility for elderly care in Ann Arbor. Call us at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!

How to Save Money When Paying for Assisted Living

Finding care for a loved one can be a difficult process, but there are ways to reduce the stress. There are a number of ways to make assisted living affordable. With a little bit of help, you can smoothly transition your loved one in to a structured, social environment where assistance for daily life is readily available. With that being said, finding a way to pay for assisted living can still be tricky. Before you commit to something out of your budget, try these helpful tips:

1. Ask about price flexibility and special deals
2. Consider a roommate
3. See if an a la carte plan works for you
4. Inquire about discount programs for low-income seniors
5. Explore tax deductions

Schedule Your Tour Today! Virtual or In-Person Tours Available

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! Let our family take care of yours.

Hillside Terrace is a facility for elderly care in Ann Arbor. Call us at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!

Wondering How to Choose the Right Independent Living Community for You?

Choosing the right independent living situation can feel like a daunting task. You want to be certain that you are choosing the best for your loved ones. 

When looking for a senior home, be sure to consider these important factors:

• Atmosphere—Does this seem like somewhere you would feel comfortable and happy?
• Activities—Does the home keep life fun and interesting?
• Food—Will you be satisfied with the food options provided?
• Budget—Will this be sustainable for your long-term budget?
• Well-Maintained Facilities—Does everything look nice and well taken care of?

Read more about essential considerations when finding a senior home.

Hillside Terrace Gives Residents a Home Away from Home!

If you’re looking for independent living in Ann Arbor, Hillside Terrace is the place for you! 

Our facilities include enclosed courtyards, beautiful gardens and walking paths, serene patios, a sunny dining room, a chapel, a library and computer lounge, a hair salon, a rehab and fitness center, and daily group activities ranging from shopping to volleyball.

Let our family take care of yours! Learn more about Hillside Terrace through our website or call us at (734) 761-4451 to schedule a visit!

6 Questions to Ask When Choosing Senior Housing

Moving your loved one to senior housing is a big decision, but one that can provide you and your elderly parent with the peace of mind that they have a loving community to watch over them as they require more medical care, or a community of like-minded friends to keep them company while you’re working. How can you find the right place to call home for your elderly parent’s next stage of life? 

As you interview senior housing options, we encourage you to ask the following questions to make sure you know what your options are:

• Do you have licensed nurses on staff 24/7? In-home medical care?
• What kinds of on-site amenities do you offer?
• What are the costs of living in your facility? Does it vary by level of care?
• Can my elderly parent age in place and receive flexible care?
• How much independence is available for a resident that doesn’t need a high level of care?
• What kinds of activities are available? What is the community like? 

You’ll want to tour the facilities you’re considering for your elderly parent with them, if possible, so you both get a sense of whether it’s a good fit. Your elderly parent might surprise you with their feelings both positive or negative about what’s going to work for them in the next stage of their life. Keep the lines of communication open, and remember not to feel guilty that you can’t do it all yourself. You’re doing your best, and there’s support for your family.

We wish you all the best in making the important decision of which senior housing facility to trust with your loved one’s care. You can learn more about Hillside Terrace’s flexible senior living amenities and senior daily activities. If you’d like to tour Hillside Terrace and meet our caring staff, please call (734)761-4451 to make an appointment.

What is Elderly Abuse?

Worried about elder abuse in your loved one’s home? Is your loved one not being properly cared for? Do you know what signs of elder abuse you should be looking out for?

The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) recognizes seven main types of senior abuse. Some neglect or emotional abuse, may be more difficult to notice or prove than physical abuse.

1. Physical abuse – is the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.
2. Sexual Abuse - any type of nonconsensual sexual action toward a senior. 
3. Emotional Abuse - the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts.
4. Financial or material exploitation- is when an abuser steals or mismanages a senior’s money or possessions.
5. Neglect - the refusal to provide a dependent senior with necessities like food, water, appropriate shelter, hygiene, and medicine.
6. Abandonment - is a more extreme version of neglect, in which a caregiver who’s assumed responsibility for someone deserts them. 
7. Self-Neglect - is when a senior engages in behaviors that are harmful to their health or safety, like refusing to eat, drink, take prescribed medicine, or perform regular hygiene. 

Learn more here!

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about assisted living 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

Tell-Tale Signs You Should Look for When It Comes to Elder Abuse

If you’re worried about your loved ones getting abused or taken advantage of in their care, you may need to educate yourself with things that could be a red flag. Examples include: bruising, confusion, depression, bedsores, unexpected negative reaction to touch, unexplained venereal diseases, unwillingness to speak. 

If you notice any of these signs, take note! This could come in handy if you need to report elder abuse to keep your loved one safe.

Learn more here!

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about assisted living 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

What is Urinary Incontinence?

What is urinary incontinence? It’s the involuntary loss of urine, according to the National Association for Continence (NAFC). 

Types of incontinence include:

1. Urge incontinence – Also known as an overactive bladder – an urgent need to urinate.
2. Total incontinence – This can indicate that your sphincter muscle is weakened, resulting in uncontrollable leakage.
3. Stress incontinence – Occurs when you have increased abdominal pressure that increases pressure from your bladder.
4. Overflow incontinence – This happens when your bladder doesn’t completely empty when you go to the bathroom.
5. Functional incontinence – This is caused by other disabilities such as neurological disorders or arthritis. 
6. Mixed incontinence – This is a person who suffers from more than one type of incontinence, such as stress incontinence plus urge incontinence. 

Learn more!

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about assisted living 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

Urinary Incontinence Can Happen at Any Age – What You Need to Know!

Incontinence can happen at any age, but it’s generally more common in seniors. It can be caused by typical aging, lifestyle choices, or a range of health conditions.

The following health issues can cause urinary incontinence in both women and men:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s disease
• Constipation
• Obesity

Learn more!

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about assisted living 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

How Does Assisted Living Support Seniors?

Need assistance with daily tasks?

Want to stay engaged with people your own age?

Do you want to maintain independence while also receiving the care you need?

Assisted living at Hillside Terrace may be the right place for you to call home.

Learn more here!

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about assisted living services 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

What You Can Do to Prevent Falls at Home

There are several things you can do to help prevent falls and minimize injuries in case of a fall. Encourage your aging loved one to: 

- Maintain their fitness

- Eat well

- Hydrate

- Tell someone if you feel different after taking new medications

- Physical therapy

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about elderly care services 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

Elderly Fall Prevention Starts with Keeping a Detailed Record

According to A Place for Mom, “If you’re caring for a senior loved one at home, keep a detailed record of any incidents. Check for fall risks in their home, and discuss these potential contributing factors during any medical assessment after a fall.”

Common medical causes of increasing your or a loved one’s risk for falls include: 

1. Medication side effects
2. Blood pressure changes
3. Vision and hearing loss
4. Underlying medical conditions
5. Vitamin D deficiency

Learn more here!

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about elderly care services 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

Unique Ways to Keep Yourself Entertained During a Pandemic

Have you or a senior loved one been exposed to the Coronavirus or another illness?

Are you wondering what activities you can do at home during isolation to help pass the time?

There’s plenty to do! But, sometimes in isolation you need to get a little creative.

According to A Place for Mom, there are “some unique ways assisted living communities are keeping seniors entertained” during a pandemic and you can too at home.” Learn more here.

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about assisted living services 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

What to Look Out For During Your Tour!

During a pandemic, it can be a challenge to get a tour scheduled in person. However, the senior communities you’re considering should be able to offer a virtual tour if that makes you feel safer and more at ease.

According to A Place for Mom, “No matter which touring method you choose, these tips can empower your family to transition to senior living with confidence.”

1. Observe community layout and tone 
2. Prioritize safety and security 
3. Assess staff friendliness, training and qualification 
4. Get to know the community’s social offerings 
5. Consider next steps if care needs progress 
6. Let your instinct lead you 

Learn more here!

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about assisted living services 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

Avoid Burnout While Creating a Senior Care Plan

Realizing that it’s time for your senior relative to get some extra help in their day-to-day life is tough. You may not know where to begin figuring out how to help them, and you may face the additional challenge of a stubborn or obstinate senior. Here are a few tips to ease your burden while also maximizing efficiency in your effort:

• Work together. Before going forward with any plan, reach a consensus with other family members. There are a wide variety of assisted living resources and facilities - make sure you all agree on what is best.
• Divide and conquer. Split up tasks among family members so you don’t bear the weight of the task alone. Allow one person to tour facilities while another person goes through financial documents to assess assets and income.
• Seek professional help. Consider hiring an attorney who specializes in elder law. They’re skilled in navigating health insurance bureaucracy and can help with the complex task of estate planning. 

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about elderly care services 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!

Does Your Senior Relative Need Some Help?

As we age, so too do all our elder relatives. Almost all of us have wondered if the behavior changes we’ve witnessed in senior relatives warrant our intervention. It can be difficult to gauge what’s serious and what isn’t. Here are a few signs you should never ignore:

• Rapid weight loss. A rapid loss of weight in your senior relative should send up red flags for a few reasons. It could be a symptom of a wasting illness. It could also be a sign that your senior relative is not up to the task of shopping and cooking for themselves. Is the refrigerator empty? Are there signs of heat damage on the stove? These can all be indicators that the task of feeding herself is becoming overwhelming to your senior relative.
• Driving infractions. It could be a problem with their eyesight or a sign of cognitive decline, but either way, traffic violations indicate your senior relative may be having trouble on the road. If possible, try allowing your senior relative to drive you somewhere and gauge for yourself.
• Unpaid bills. Finding stacks of unopened mail around your senior relative’s home or receiving collections calls could indicate your relative is unable to care for their finances. It could be a matter of financial hardship, or it could be cognitive problems making the mathematics of bill-paying difficult. 

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about elderly care services 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!” We can help give your family peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands. Schedule a tour today!