Find the Right Independent Living Community for your Aging Parent!

Do you want to join an interesting, social, and engaging community? 

Are you no longer able to keep up with cooking, cleaning, and housework?
Are you looking for a senior home where you can maintain your independence?

Choosing an independent living facility is a big decision for your family. You want to be somewhere where you feel safe, comfortable, and engaged. There are many factors to consider, including atmosphere, activities, and location.

Learn more about what to look for in an independent living community. 

It can seem overwhelming when looking at different options for senior homes. Fortunately, Hillside Terrace is here to help! We’re a family-owned senior living facility that offers many levels of care, from independent living to enhanced memory care. We pride ourselves on offering varied amenities that give our residents a home away from home. 

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

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!

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!

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!

Thinking About a Move to Assisted Living? Hillside is the Safest Place to Be with Protections in Place to Keep You Safe!

It can be hard to guarantee a home that’s free of contamination with friends and family coming and going. At Hillside Terrace, we are required by the State of Michigan to prohibit visitors at this time so that Hillside remains a safe environment, free of potential Coronavirus contamination. 

Learn more about what we’re doing to keep your loved ones safe here.

Make Hillside Terrace Senior Living Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about senior 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!

Why a senior should make a move to senior living now in a pandemic?

Reasons you should still consider moving to assisted living include:

• Preparedness security
• Resident assessment 2x a day for COVID-19 symptoms
• Nurses around the clock to respond to any sudden illness like COVID-19
• Chef Prepared meals
• Medication administered
• Laundry service

We all know a senior has a better chance to stay healthy and alert if their issues are assessed quickly and medical care is initiated fast. If your senior loved one is in desperate need of assistance, you may want to consider assisted living.

Make Hillside Terrace Your Home Away from Home! 

For more information about senior 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!

When Your Parents Need Assisted Living –Schedule a Tour at Hillside Terrace!

Have questions? We can help you evaluate your needs and help you decide which assisted living community is right for you during a tour. You’ll even have an opportunity to dine in our dining room and taste one of our chef–prepared meals.

We provide your adult relatives with a variety of nutritious meals, including diabetes-friendly options. Proper nutrition goes a long way toward improving these seniors’ quality of life. 

Make Hillside Terrace 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!

The common phrase to avoid telling a grieving person

“He’s in a better place.” We’re all tempted to tell a grieving person that their deceased loved one has moved on to a better plane of existence. It feels like the right thing to say – after all, the process of dying is often physically painful and protracted, and it seems like it might comfort their grieving loved ones.

Even deeply religious people aren’t always ready for their loved ones to become an angel or get sent to the afterlife. A better bet is a straightforward, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” It conveys your deep sympathy and acknowledges the pain of the grieving person.

If your grieving friend or loved one is a resident at one of Hillside Terrace’s community for assisted living in Ann Arbor, please feel free to contact us at 734-761-4451. Our professional staff will be happy to assist you in any way possible.

Is an Assisted Living Community the Right Choice?

With the rising costs of housing and healthcare, planning for retirement has become a necessity. But when you’re worried about your health or the health of your loved one, retirement planning takes on a whole new dimension. Is an assisted living community the right choice for you?

Make Hillside Terrace 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!

Senior Living Can Help Your Marriage Thrive!

You know that a quality senior living community provides clean, safe housing and excellent care. Hillside Terrace takes it a few steps further than that. We’re a family-oriented community in a park-like setting with activities and support designed to feed your body, mind, and soul — and your relationship. 

Make Hillside Terrace 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!

Respect in Elderly Care

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Whether it’s in catchy songs or in kids’ shows, respect has always been important to our relationships. And why shouldn’t it be? Regardless of skin color, financial status, body type, or age—everyone in every walk of life should be respected. That doesn’t end just because someone goes to an elderly care facility! So what behaviors are considered “respectful” towards the elderly? When it comes to elderly care, here are our ideas:

• Refer to the resident by their first name
  

Unless a resident specifically asks to be called by a nickname, we’ll call them by their first name. Calling someone “gramps” or “grandma” might not bother some people, but for others it may be unflattering. We’ll always ask what our residents want to be called. 

• Communicate clearly and politely

What are the rules? What are the procedures? We’re upfront and clear about all our processes and procedures. We’ll always try to be polite—asking for a resident’s opinion and always knocking before entering unless there’s a medical or personal emergency. We work hard to respect any boundaries a resident may have.

• Allow a resident to make choices

We allow our residents to make choices. Whether it’s the food they eat or the clothes they wear, they’ll always have the first say. Retiring to an elderly care facility shouldn’t mean the end of individuality and personal freedom! You and your loved one deserve to be treated with the best in care and—you guessed it—respect!

So don’t be worried about your loved one needing care. If your loved one needs elderly care in Ann Arbor give us a call today! We’re happy to help! 

Make Every Moment Count While Visiting Your Loved One

Are you looking for ways to make each visit a special moment?

Tired of doing the same old stuff?

Need a few ideas?

You can make the most of every minute when you visit your loved one if you keep this in mind:

• Just by being there you’re helping. – Your visits can help make your loved one not feel so lonely. Isolation can be harmful for many seniors physical and cognitive health. Having a friendly face around can help ease some of their fear and anxiety about living somewhere new.
• Bring a gift – Your loved one’s shopping trips are likely limited, so bring them something they enjoy like their favorite magazine, CD, artwork or a card.  

Best Assisted Living in Ann Arbor: Schedule a Tour Today!

For more information about assisted living in Ann Arbor 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!

Positive Effects of Socialization

Do you or a loved one feel isolated in assisted living?

Do you make it a point to interact with others?

Are you getting more anti-social?

An active social life can be the cure to your slump! It’s easy to understand the importance of encouraging young children to socialize, however, we sometimes to forget the importance of socializing as we age. Humans need fulfilling relationships with other people. 

There are some noticeable benefits to being socially active. Want to learn how it can transform you or your loved one’s life? Learn more here!  

Best Assisted Living in Ann Arbor: Schedule a Tour Today!

For more information about assisted living in Ann Arbor 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!

Depression in People with Dementia: What It Looks Like and What You Can Do

Not sure if your loved one with dementia is experiencing depression? Want to help a senior in your life with dementia who may be suffering from depression? Wondering what you can do about depression in someone with dementia?

Losing grip on your mental sharpness and memories can be enough to make anyone feel depressed. When depression becomes a serious issue in someone with dementia, it’s important to act fast before it takes a serious toll. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and how to combat depression in people with dementia. 

Symptoms:

Because there may be other things going on with their health, mood, and behavior, it can be difficult to detect depression in someone with dementia. You can be on the lookout for serious symptoms like social withdrawal and isolation, loss of appetite, fatigue, and expressions of hopelessness or despair. 

Treatment:

Addressing depression in people with dementia can include group or one-on-one therapy or chemical treatment. There are other things you can do on a daily basis to help keep depression at bay! Regular activity—mental, physical, and social—can significantly decrease depression. Try and take walks, play games, and even volunteer on a regular schedule to make a real difference in the life of someone with dementia and depression. 

Depression is a serious topic, and if you suspect someone is suffering, you should speak to a doctor or caretaker immediately. If you have more questions about decreasing depression in someone with dementia or about memory care in Ann Arbor, give us a call today. At Hillside Terrace Senior Living, our family shares life with yours.

Tax Credits: What You Need to Know as a Senior Taxpayer

Want to be sure you’re getting every penny of the tax credits you’re eligible for? Need a rundown of the tax credits available to senior taxpayers? Curious if you could be getting more out of your tax return as a senior taxpayer?

Tax credits can be tricky! Nobody is combing through your return at the IRS looking to get you more money. So, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and make sure you’re getting the biggest return possible. Now that you may be entering a new age bracket, or have different circumstances to consider, take a look at our guide to tax credits for the senior taxpayer and be confident you’ll get what you deserve! 

Credit for the Elderly or Disabled

Taxpayers over the age of 65 may be eligible for this tax credit. Similarly, if you’re under 65 but are retired with a permanent disability and receive disability benefits, you may be eligible for a tax credit.

Credits for Dependent Care Expenses

For those with a qualifying dependent who needs care outside of your home, the expenses for that care may qualify you for a tax credit. 

Premium Tax Credit

If you or a family member are enrolled in a health plan through HealthCare.gov or a state marketplace and get assistance to pay for the premiums, you may be eligible for this credit.

Earned Income Credit

Taxpayers over 65 with a child dependent who are working and earning less than $53,505 may qualify for this credit. 

With our simple guide to tax credits for seniors, you can feel confident that you’re more likely to get the return you really deserve! Although our guide should be useful, because taxes can be complicated and unique to your situation, it is recommended that you seek the advice or services of a professional before filling.  If you have more questions about taxes or respite care in Ann Arbor, give us a call today. At Hillside Terrace, our family shares life with yours. 

Celebrate The Winter Solstice!

The winter solstice is almost here! December 21, 2017 marks the longest night of the year! We’re stepping up our fundraising efforts for the Longest Day and want to let others know that we’re continuing our fight against Alzheimer’s.

This holiday season, give a donation in lieu of a gift!

It’s the season for gift giving! Not sure what to ask others to give you for Christmas? Ask them to donate to a great cause instead! You can make an online donation and print out a holiday card to let them know you’ve donated on their behalf.

All donations to The Longest Day are tax-deductible and will help advance the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

We hope you have the happiest of holidays this season!

Donate to our team today!