Why Staying Social Keeps Seniors Physically and Emotionally Strong

Loneliness is more than just an emotion—it’s a health risk. For older adults, isolation can lead to physical ailments such as high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and even shorter life expectancy.

That’s why Hillside Terrace focuses on connection as a key pillar of wellness. Through shared meals, group fitness classes, and community events, residents stay active and supported. Our NuStep fitness center and wellness programs help maintain mobility, while new friendships nourish emotional well-being.

 

Choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor means choosing a lifestyle that promotes vitality and belonging. Discover how Hillside Terrace helps seniors thrive through the power of community.

 

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 assisted living in Ann Arbor can provide.

How Social Engagement Supports Brain Health for Seniors

As we age, staying socially active becomes more than a pastime—it’s a powerful tool for preserving mental health. Social interaction has been shown to reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline, even helping delay conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

At Hillside Terrace, our residents benefit from a rich calendar of activities—from book clubs to art classes—that foster connection and keep the mind engaged. In fact, many assisted living communities in Ann Arbor prioritize cognitive wellness through daily social experiences.

Read more on our website!

 

Schedule a Tour Today

 

If you or a loved one is seeking a community that understands the value of mental stimulation through meaningful connection, we 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.

How to Stay Involved After Moving a Parent to Assisted Living

One of the biggest fears when moving your parent to assisted living is that they’ll feel abandoned. However, there are many ways to stay connected and involved in their lives to ensure they continue to feel supported and loved.

Maintain Strong Involvement

Visit regularly, call often, and participate in community events. Assisted living facilities in Ann Arbor and beyond offer numerous opportunities for family engagement, including scheduled visit days, holiday gatherings, and community activities. Your presence can make a world of difference in your parent’s emotional well-being.

 

Reframe the Situation

Instead of viewing the move as a loss, consider it a step toward an improved quality of life for your loved one. Assisted living communities provide a safe and engaging environment where seniors can thrive. With access to social activities, professional caregivers, and personalized support, your parent may experience a better standard of living than they would at home alone.

 

Seek Support

You’re not alone in this journey. Consider joining a support group, speaking with a counselor, or reaching out to friends who have been through the same experience. Talking about your emotions can help ease feelings of guilt and uncertainty.

 

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 assisted living in Ann Arbor can provide.

 

Overcoming Guilt When Moving a Parent to Assisted Living

Making the decision to move your parent into an assisted living community is never easy. It often comes with a mix of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, and guilt. Many adult children struggle with the feeling that they’re abandoning their loved ones. It’s essential to recognize that choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor or any other location is often the best option for ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life of your aging parents. 

Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings

Instead of suppressing the feelings of guilt, acknowledge them. Understand that guilt often stems from societal expectations or personal promises made in the past. Recognizing these feelings can help you process them in a healthy manner and allow you to focus on what’s best for your parent.

 

Focus on the Benefits for Your Parent

Assisted living communities provide a level of care that is difficult to maintain at home. From daily assistance with tasks to social engagement and medical support, your parent will likely enjoy a safer and more fulfilling lifestyle.

 

By focusing on these benefits, you can reframe your perspective and feel more confident in your decision. Remember, prioritizing your parent’s well-being is an act of love.

 

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 assisted living in Ann Arbor can provide.

Navigating the Levels of Assisted Living Care

Choosing the right senior living home for a loved one can feel overwhelming. One key aspect to making the right choice is understanding the different levels of care within assisted living. Assisted living is designed for seniors who need help with some daily tasks but want to maintain as much independence as possible. It encompasses a range of services tailored to individual needs, categorized into different levels.

These levels can include Independent Living, which focuses on social engagement and activities for relatively self-sufficient seniors, and various levels of Assisted Living (Basic, Moderate, and High), offering increasing support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Memory Care is also often a specialized unit within assisted living, designed for individuals with dementia. Determining the right level requires a thorough assessment of your loved one's needs, including their ability to perform ADLs, manage medications, cognitive function, and social and emotional needs.

 

Learn more about assisted living levels of care 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.

Emotional and Environmental Signs Your Elderly Parent May Need Assistance

Emotional and environmental changes can be just as telling as physical ones when it comes to your parent’s well-being:

Emotional Changes

• Withdrawal: Avoiding family events or hobbies.
• Mood Swings: Increased irritability or sadness.
• Depression Symptoms: Low energy, lack of interest, or trouble sleeping.

 

Home Environment Decline

• Clutter and Safety Risks: An unclean home or hazards like loose rugs.
• Neglected Finances: Unopened bills or missed payments.

 

These red flags highlight a need for more structured care. We provide opportunities for social engagement, emotional support, and secure living environments to keep seniors safe and fulfilled.

 

Learn more about how to recognize when your elderly parent needs assistance 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.

Recognizing the Physical and Cognitive Signs Your Parent Needs Help

As your loved ones age, identifying when they need additional support is crucial. Physical and cognitive changes are often the first indicators: 

Physical Signs

• Mobility Challenges: Frequent falls or trouble with stairs.
• Weight Fluctuations: Unexplained weight changes due to poor nutrition or illness.
• Hygiene Issues: Neglect of personal grooming or wearing the same clothes repeatedly.

 

Cognitive Indicators

• Memory Problems: Forgetting important appointments or tasks.
• Confusion: Difficulty following conversations or navigating familiar places.
• Poor Judgment: Unsafe decisions like mishandling finances.

 

If these challenges sound familiar, considering assisted living in Ann Arbor might be a positive next step. We provide structured support while promoting independence, ensuring your parent thrives.

 

Learn more about how to recognize when your elderly parent needs assistance 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.

Navigating the World of Senior Living in Ann Arbor

As our loved ones age, it becomes increasingly important to consider their long-term care needs. With a variety of senior living options available, it can be overwhelming to determine the best fit. Explore the different types of senior living care:

1.        Independent Living:

• Ideal for seniors who are active and independent.
• Offers a variety of amenities like social activities, fitness centers, and dining options.
• Provides a sense of community and security.

2.        Assisted Living:

• Suitable for seniors who need assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
• Offers personalized care plans and 24/7 supervision.
• Provides a balance of independence and support.

3.        Memory Care:

• Designed for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
• Offers specialized care and a secure environment.
• Provides cognitive stimulation and social activities.

4.        Skilled Nursing Care:

• Provides 24-hour medical care for seniors with complex health conditions.
• Offers skilled nursing services, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

5.        Home Care:

• Allows seniors to age in place with personalized in-home care.
• Offers a range of services, including meal preparation, housekeeping, and personal care.

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

Schedule a Tour Today

By carefully considering your loved one's needs and preferences, you can make informed decisions about senior living care. Remember, the goal is to find a solution that promotes well-being, independence, and a high quality of life.

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.

How does Hillside Empower Resident Autonomy?

 1.     Tailored care: No one-size fits all here! We get to know you and your needs and create a plan that provides the right amount of help.

2.     Choice is king (or queen): Want to pick out your activities? Done. Want a salad for dinner? Got it! Empowerment is the name of the game.

3.     Tech to the rescue: Gadgets like voice assistants and other smart phone features lend a hand with everyday tasks, keeping you independent as long as possible.

4.     Designed for you: Imagine wider hallways, grab bars in the bathroom, and lighting you can adjust. These smart design features make it easier to get around safely and do things on your own.

5.     Talk it out: Open communication is key. Caregivers who listen and treat you with respect make all the difference. It's a team effort, after all!

Assisted living can be a fantastic way to keep your independence and enjoy a vibrant life. Look for a place that puts residents first and you might surprise yourself with how much you thrive! 

 

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.

Why is Sleep so Important as We Age?

Are you battling insomnia? 

Are you having a hard time getting a good night’s rest?

 

It’s important to make sleep a priority because it improves your overall well-being:

1. Lower risk for diseases: Getting more sleep can decrease your risk for diabetes and heart disease.

2. Boost your immune system: More sleep can help your body fight off viruses and infections. 

3. More self-control:  You’re more likely to make unhealthy lifestyle choices when you’re sleep-deprived. Finding motivation to exercise when you’re tired can be tough. On the other hand, when you’re well-rested, you’re more likely to make better decisions.

4. Refresh your mind and body: Sleep gives your mind and body an opportunity to rest and restore. This can help minimize inflammation, regulate your digestive system, and allows your brain to recharge.

5. Increased energy:  Getting enough sleep will give you more energy. It helps you stay active and engaged with life, which further enhances how positive you feel.

Learn more about why getting a good night’s sleep is so important 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