How to Tell When It’s Time to Search for Senior Housing for An Aging Parent

Deciding on moving an elderly parent into senior housing can be a stressful decision for your family, but also one that can result in more relaxing time spent with your loved one while someone else cares for their physical needs. But how do you know when it’s the right time to search for senior housing for your parent? 

You might want to search for senior housing if you’re experiencing the following:

• Your elderly parent has physical needs you can no longer keep up with.
• You work long hours, and can’t be home with your elderly parent.
• You have other family obligations that take you away from giving your elderly parent the care they need, such as social support or rides to medical appointments.
• Your elderly parent is starting to need in-home medical care.
• Your elderly parent is struggling with loneliness, or might be concerned with lack of privacy.
• Caring for your aging parent is affecting your marriage, your children, or your parent in a way that isn’t sustainable.
• You’re starting to experience burnout, exhaustion, or frustration trying to keep up with the needs of your parent.
• You don’t have a home that’s wheelchair or walker accessible, which poses a mobility barrier or pose a potential fall threat.

Those are all signs that it might be time to look for senior housing to get more support in caring for your aging loved one. You might be surprised to find that if you start a discussion with your parent about their feelings and thoughts on a potential move, they might have a different perspective than you expect. 

It can be stressful to start a discussion about a potential move, but raising the topic keeps communication open and can show respect for your loved one’s feelings on a big life change. You might even bond over agreeing on the decision to move on to the next stage of housing together.

Hillside Terrace is a flexible, caring community for senior housing in Ann Arbor. We’d love to show you around. Call us at (734)761-4451 to make an appointment to meet the staff and residents. We can’t wait to meet you and your loved one!

What to Know When Planning Ahead for Future Healthcare Decisions

Planning for future healthcare needs seems like a lot of guesswork. But failing to plan is an even bigger gamble. Without planning, an unexpected health crisis could mean you’re making big decisions under pressure with limited choices.

Hillside Terrace gives you lifestyle choices now and a plan in place for future care. For more information about assisted living services and the other services we provide, visit us at HillsideTerrace.net, or contact us here!

Make the Most of Every Minute with Loved Ones

Do you have a loved one living in assisted living in Ann Arbor?

Is your loved one struggling with the transition?

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

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
• Bring a gift
• Check the schedule
• Be Creative

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!

Benefits of Being Socially Active in Assisted Living Communities

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

Do you make it a point to interact with others?

Do you sometimes feel depressed and lethargic?

There are important benefits connected with being socially active:

1. A greater sense of belonging – In many cases, your loved one simply needs to feel loved and wanted. They can do it by getting socially active in a local senior living community.
2. Improved physical health – How you feel emotionally is directly related to how you feel physically. When someone is socially active and feels needed, wanted and accepted, they’re more apt to be mobile and alert. 

To learn more, read “Positive Effects of Socialization by Living in a Senior Community.”

Best Assisted Living 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 assisted living in Ann Arbor that will allow you the flexibility to create a retirement lifestyle that is perfect for you!

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!” 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. 

Why Seniors Should Join a Knitting Club

Retired and looking for a way to spend your new found free time? Interested in finding a rewarding activity for older parents or a friend?

For a senior activity, you’d be hard-pressed to find something more beneficial for its members than a knitting club. With their relaxed and rewarding environment, these groups are full of opportunities to put both the hands and mind to work. Read on and discover 5 benefits seniors get from joining a knitting club.

Physical

The dexterity and fine motor skill exercised in knitting and crocheting help knitting club members maintain and improve these abilities. Being physically active is also good for both the mind and body.

Mental

Not only is learning or practicing an intricate skill good for mental health and cognitive function, but being part of a social group puts seniors in a stimulating environment. Neurons will be firing all over the place!

Social

Depression can be a common malady of the elderly, especially those living in isolation or prone to spending time alone. Involvement in a group that promotes socialization, like a knitting club, can be a simple way to help an elder family member beat their blues.

Emotional

Engagement in knitting activities can help stay the stresses and anxieties in a senior’s life. Because knitting requires moments of great focus, it’s also a perfect time for relaxation and tranquility as the mind quiets to allow the hands to work.

Purposeful

Settling into retirement after decades of working a regular job can lead seniors to a low valuation of self, missing the feeling of making a contribution to a team or effort. Being creatively active with knitting projects can provide new purpose. A plan to donate projects to hospitals or charities can lead to an even greater sense of purpose.

The importance of these 5 benefits cannot be understated! Joining a group such as a knitting club could be an act which truly saves quality of life at a senior age. If you have questions about knitting or other social clubs, or providing elderly care in Ann Arbor, please give us a call. We’re confident you’ll see the difference in quality of care when our family shares life with yours. Schedule a tour of our facilities today. 

Hillside Terrace Joins The Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum in 2017!

Did you know that 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?

Are you or a loved one at risk of suffering Alzheimer’s?

Do you want to help increase the funding to find a cure?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number could rise as high as 16 million.”

Amanda Harvey and Nanya Litz at the Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum last year.

Here at Hillside Terrace, we’re very passionate about helping others! Alzheimer’s is a cause that’s very near and dear to our hearts. Many residents here at Hillside Terrace, a facility for memory care in Ann Arbor, suffer from this terrible disease with no hope for a cure.

Nanya Litz, owner of Hillside Terrace, experienced the struggle in a very personal way, losing her father to the disease in 2010. “More research needs to be done to find a cure!” says Nanya Litz. “It saddens me to see families go through the same struggle we had.”

This Alzheimer's Association Advocacy Forum is the nation's premier Alzheimer's disease advocacy event. Hillside Terrace joins more than 1,000 advocates in Washington, D.C. on March 27-29, 2017, to advocate for research, care and support services.

This year, Nanya Litz will be joined by her son Trey Litz, Director of Community Relations at Hillside Terrace, to meet Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and members of Congress to consider an increase in funding to the National Institute of Health (NIH) by $414 million for Alzheimer’s research. “We’ll discuss what needs to be done on a state level to help pass legislation and figure out ways we can help lead the effort,” says Trey.

Do you want to help create a better future for your loved ones?

Send a letter to your state senators and representatives letting them know you don’t want funding to disappear! We need the help of our state officials to get things done. Let your voice be heard! Let them know you don’t want your loved one missing out on a promising future!
Join the cause! Donate today!

7 Tips to Boost Your Memory!

Does Alzheimer’s run in your family?

Are you showing signs of memory loss?

Are you worried about forgetting who you are and where you come from?

Building a healthy routine can help improve your memory, foster emotional connections, self-expression, lessen anxiety and irritability, and help you feel happier about the life you’re living!

According to our Partnered In-house Hospice provider, Great Lakes Caring, here are seven simple ways to sharpen your memory:

1. Stay mentally active
2. Socialize regularly
3. Get organized
4. Sleep well
5. Eat a healthy diet
6. Include physical activity in your daily routine
7. Manage chronic conditions

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

Is your parent prepared for their end of life care? Discussing moving your parent into assisted living can be a scary thing for any adult to face. However, it’s the scary reality of so many in this country. We can help your family create peace of mind. When you’re at home, you’ll know your loved one is taken care of and in good hands!

Hillside Terrace Memory Care Communities

View a virtual tour of our floorplans:
The Heritage & Grace
The Rose-Marie
The Mayflower

For more information about memory care 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!

Superfoods That Will Cut Your Alzheimer’s Risk in Half!

Does Alzheimer’s run in your family?

Are you worried about your risk of suffering from the illness?

Do you want to know how you can cut your risk by 50%?

We’re not doctors and we can’t give medical advice, but research performed by Rush University in Chicago suggests that you can slash your risk of developing Alzheimer’s by as much as 53% with the MIND diet. “MIND stands for Mediterranean Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay emphasizing the importance of eating fish, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, and a daily glass of wine. But MIND goes one step further, specifying brain boosting produce such as berries, and leafy greens.”

You may be asking yourself what makes this diet so powerful? The answer is brain boosting benefits! According to the Rush University study, other healthy foods that help give your brain the boost it needs to combat the early signs of Alzheimer’s include:

1. Olive oil, green tea and leafy greens will help fight inflammation.
2. Beets, tomatoes and avocados will help ensure your brain receives the blood it needs to stay sharp.
3. Nuts (especially walnuts), curcumin and pomegranates help the brain fight amyloid plaques that kill neurons.
4. Fish, blueberries, grapes, coffee and dark chocolate help increase the level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth of new neurons.

Elderly Care in Ann Arbor: Make Hillside Terrace Your Home Away From Home!

 

Our "Aging by Choice" philosophy allows a flexibility of options for our residents and their families; you choose what is best for you, and we make it possible. We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of care, the security, and the family atmosphere that you’re seeking! We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family.

For more information about elderly care in Ann Arbor, call us today, or fill out our contact form here! We’re focused on holistically improving and maintaining the well-being of our residents through promoting independence, a stimulating environment, and building rapport. Schedule a tour with us today!

The Benefits of Exercise at Any Age!

Do you want to improve your mood and happiness?

Do you want to be strong enough to keep doing the activities you love?

Are you afraid that exercise will do more harm than good?

Exercise is one of the best things you can do to improve your health at any age! Every little bit helps. You don’t have to run a marathon to sustain great health, but you should probably walk for at least 15-30 minutes, 3 times a week.

According to the National Institute of Health, “Staying physically active and exercising regularly can produce long-term health benefits and even improve health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities. That's why health experts say that older adults should aim to be as active as possible.”

Exercise can improve the following:
•    Sleep
•    Strength
•    Balance
•    Anxiety
•    Cognitive function
•    Prevent or treat disease

Want to better your fitness level? There’s no better time than the present! At Hillside Terrace, we’re committed to improving our resident’s overall health and well-being. We provide a variety of exercise for different fitness levels, as well as, individual wellness checks by a nurse each month, and on-site physician visits each week.

Looking For More?

For more information about our long term care facility in Ann Arbor offered at Hillside Terrace, contact us here! We’re focused on holistically improving and maintaining the well-being of our residents through promoting independence, a stimulating environment, and building rapport. Schedule a tour with us today!

5 Questions to Ask As Your Parents Age

Do you have an elderly parent who avoids household chores?

Does your parent suffer from any ailments that make it harder for them to get around by themselves?

Are you worried about leaving your parent alone, afraid that they may fall?

Watching our parents get older can be tough! It can be hard to see them struggle to do everyday tasks. As children, we often think that they’ll live forever in perfect health.

When family members can’t take care of themselves, it can put a heavy burden on those they love. Many people aren’t up to the task of daily care for their loved ones. At some point, you may realize that you need someone’s help to take care of your parents.

At Hillside Terrace, we can help you provide the proper care for your loved one. Residents at our long term care facility in Ann Arbor find it comforting that they have assistance when they need it. Just because your parents are getting older, doesn’t mean they have to stop being themselves!

If I Have an Elderly Parent That Needs Help with Daily Activities, What’s The Next Step?

Consider these questions to figure out if assisted living is right for your parent or parents:
•    Are they avoiding household chores?
•    Do they suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer’s?
•    Can they drive?
•    Has your parent isolated himself or herself?
•    How do they feel about assisted living?

Many people think that moving into an assisted living facility means the end of their independence, but at Hillside, we believe it's the opposite! We consider assisted living an exciting step into a new life that a resident may never have had otherwise! Your parent will be able to live independently without the worry of daily chores.

Find out how Hillside Terrace changed the lives of a few of our residents by reading their story here!

Looking For More?

For more information about our long term care facility in Ann Arbor, contact us here! We’re focused on holistically improving and maintaining the well-being of our residents through promoting independence, a stimulating environment, and building rapport. Schedule a tour with us today!

10 Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s That You Need to Be Aware Of!

Are you or is someone you know forgetting the simplest of things?

Does Alzheimer’s or Dementia run in your family?

Are you considering memory care in Ann Arbor?

Hillside Terrace provides an "Aging by Choice" philosophy, allowing flexibility of options for our residents and their families thinking about memory care. You choose what’s best for you, and we make it possible!

According to Alzheimer’s Association, there are a few warning signs that you may notice:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. At home, at work or at leisure
4. Confusion with time or place
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
8. Decreased or poor judgment
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
10. Changes in mood and personality

If any of these signs sound familiar to you and you’re worried about them, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends that you consult with a physician.

Looking For More?

For more information about memory care in Ann Arbor offered at Hillside Terrace, visit us at HillsideTerrace.net, or contact us here! We’re focused on holistically improving and maintaining the well-being of our residents through promoting independence, a stimulating environment, and building rapport. Schedule a tour with us today!