New Integrations at Hillside Terrace: Gentle Technology and Memory Support

As research of memory loss and understanding of technology integration continues to grow, Hillside Terrace is focused on helping residents feel calmer, safer, and more connected in their daily lives. 

Memory loss affects everyone differently, so we create simple, predictable routines tailored to each resident. This structure helps ease stress and offers a clearer sense of each day. With supportive guidance and activities like music, movement, creativity, and quiet connection, residents can feel more grounded and supported.

 

As smart technology becomes more common in 2026, we know it can feel confusing or even overwhelming for older adults. That’s why we take a gentle approach, introducing tools when they’re helpful and easy to use, such as smart watches, fitness trackers, and simple home gadgets to enhance independence and help residents connected to their families.

Read more on our website!

 

👉 Want to explore what assisted living in Ann Arbor could look like for your loved one? Call (734) 761-4451 to chat with us.

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.

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.

Consequences of Not Getting a Good Night’s Rest

Getting a good night’s sleep is harder as we age and can lead to serious health issues, including: 

• Weakened immunity
• Higher frequency of falls
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Higher rates of diabetes
• Greater risk for cardiac disease
• Change in temperament

 

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

What Services Do Assisted Living Communities Provide?

 The services offered by assisted living communities often include:

• One to three meals a day
• Monitoring of medication
• Personal care, including dressing and bathing
• Housekeeping and laundry
• 24-hour emergency care
• Some medical services
• Social and recreational activities

Learn more about a day in the life of a resident living at Hillside Terrace here.

 

“Hillside Terrace is by far the best independent living, assisted living, and memory care in all of Washtenaw County. The staff is kind, building is spotless, and the leadership gets it. If you have not taken the time to research, visit, and talk with their team if your loved one is in need of a care, you are missing.”

 

Jeannie Gill, Google Review

 
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

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!

Solo Activities for Senior During Isolation

Test positive for the Coronavirus?

Are you looking for fun activities to do while in isolation?

Hillside Terrace has you covered!

Try these activities at home or with your loved ones in assisted living:

1. Friendly competition
2. Personalized activity baskets
3. Movie Nights
4. Hallway events
5. Knitting or crochet
6. Bingo
7. Pen pal programs

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!

Steps to Take When Your Parents Need Assisted Living

Are you searching for the perfect assisted living community for your loved one?

Can’t find the right community that fits your budget?

Wondering which steps you need to take?

Follow these steps to find the right assisted living community for your loved one:

1. Figure out what you can afford.
2. Schedule a tour!
3. Have a conversation with your aging parents.
4. Consult a variety of resources before you make a decision.

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!

Finding the Right Senior Care Center Can Be a Challenge for LGBTQ Elders

Are you worried about finding the right care?

Are you worried you’ll be singled out for being different?

Are you worried about how you’re going to pay for a senior care center in Ann Arbor or the surrounding areas?

According to SeniorLiving.org, LGBTQ elders face many challenges including:

• “Government social programs such as Social Security and Medicaid do not recognize or support LGBT families.
• Social Security does not pay survivor benefits to same-sex partners.
• Unlike married heterosexual spouses, unmarried partners in lifelong relationships cannot receive Social Security benefits.
• Medicaid does not protect same-sex partners' assets and homes when a spouse enters a long-term care facility.
• Many same-sex partners are denied visitation rights in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
• In some senior living communities, LGBT people are openly discriminated against and/or ostracized.”

Schedule a Tour Today!

We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. For more information about LGBTQ 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!” Schedule a tour today!

LGBTQ Elders Are Welcome at Hillside Terrace

At Hillside Terrace, we support LGBTQ elders. We won’t tolerate LGBT elders being bullied at our senior care center in Ann Arbor. 

“We want LGBT seniors to see Hillside as a welcoming place,” says Nanya Litz. “We train our staff to care for everyone who lives at our retirement community. It’s important to understand how LGBT elders feel the way they feel and how we can help them feel comfortable. We want to help them seek any help that they feel that they may need."

Learn more here!

Have Questions About How Hillside Terrace is an All-Inclusive Community?

Know your options for a brighter future. If you have questions about LGBTQ services at Hillside, give us a call at Hillside Terrace today.

Independent Living at Hillside Terrace Senior Living

Are you able to live on your own, but lack financial resources to afford a home? Are you looking for a better social life with people your own age? Independent living in Ann Arbor may be what you’re looking for.

At Hillside Terrace, we offer nine apartment homes for independent living.

Learn more here about the types of independent living apartments we have.

Get Started Today: Schedule a Tour!

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. Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!” We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today– a facility for independent living in Ann Arbor.

Contact us for more information about independent living, memory care or independent living offered at Hillside Terrace.

Simplify Medication Management with Independent Living

Are you having trouble managing your medications?

Have you considered moving into a facility for independent living in Ann Arbor?

Are you able to live on your own, but lack financial resources to afford a home? Are you looking for a better social life with people your own age? Independent living in Ann Arbor may be what you’re looking for. Learn more here!

Independent Living in Ann Arbor: Make Hillside Terrace Your Home Away from Home! 

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. Hillside Terrace, “Where our family shares life with your family!”

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. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today!

For other floorplan information and availability, please contact us today at (734) 761-4451.

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. 

Tax Credit for the Elderly or Disabled: What You Need to Know

Want to know if you qualify for a tax credit for the elderly disabled? Interested in finding out more about a tax credit for people over 65? Looking for details on getting more from your tax return?

There are few tax credits out there that are truly simple. Sometimes it even seems that the more complicated the credit is, the more you really need it. Well, if you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed looking at the tax credit for the elderly or disabled, we've put together a simple but comprehensive look at the credit to help you through it!

Form to Use: 1040 or 1040A

Qualifiers:

• Age and Disability: You or your spouse must be over 65 or have a permanent disability.
• Income: Must be less than $17,500 (single), $20,000 (married filing jointly, one spouse qualifies), $25,000 (married filing jointly, both qualify).
• Non-taxable Income: from social security, pensions, etc. must be less $5,000 (single, married filing jointly and only one spouse qualifies), $7,500 (married filing jointly and both qualify).

Calculating Your Credit: Use a Schedule R to figure out your credit. The instructions for Schedule R also include information on how to have the IRS calculate the credit for you. 

Other Sources: The IRS has published sources to assist seniors with this tax credit and taxes in general. These are IRS publication 524 and 554 respectively. 

With our simple guide to the elderly and disabled tax credit, 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’s 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.

How to Downsize Your Parents' Home!

Are you looking to downsize your parents’ home?

Is their home too much work to keep up?

Are you having a hard time deciding what to keep and what to get rid of?

At Hillside Terrace, we know everything there is to know about moving into an assisted living community in Ann Arbor and want to help you downsize. Find out the things you should consider when you’re moving, here.

Get Started Today: Schedule a Tour! 

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. 

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. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today– a facility for assisted living in Ann Arbor.

For more information about hospice care offered at Hillside Terrace, visit us at HillsideTerrace.net, or contact us here!

How Do I Know If I Need Assisted Living?

Do you or does someone you know need assistance getting around the house?

Are you (or someone you know) having a hard time doing everyday tasks?

Is your caregiver finding it hard to bear the burden of providing home health care without suffering illness themselves?

When it becomes too difficult to handle care on your own, you should consider the option of assisted living. Imagine how much easier it would be to have all the available help you could possibly need.

According to A Place for Mom, “there are some telltale signs that caregivers can look for in order to recognize when it’s the right time for assisted living,” including:

1. Aggression 
2. Caregiver stress
3. Escalating care needs
4. Home safety
5. Wandering 

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

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. Discussing moving your parent into assisted living can be a scary thing for any adult to face. However, it’s the reality of so many in this country. 

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!

Understanding How Doctors Diagnose Dementia

Does your memory loss interfere with everyday activities?

Are you having a problem with visual perception?

Are you able to communicate well with others?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “while symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia:

• Memory 
• Communication and language 
• Ability to focus and pay attention 
• Reasoning and judgment 
• Visual perception

People with dementia may have problems with short-term memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments or traveling out of their neighborhood.

Many dementias are progressive, meaning symptoms start out slowly and gradually get worse. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in thinking skills, don't ignore them.” You should make an appointment with a doctors as soon as possible to determine the cause of these type of symptoms.

Get Started Today: Schedule a Tour!

Our memory care facility is available for those who suffer from the following memory illnesses: long-term memory loss, short-term memory loss, Huntington’s disease, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and even those who suffer from a traumatic brain injury.

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 – “Where our family shares life with your family!” We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today– a facility for memory care in Ann Arbor.

Contact us for more information about memory care offered at Hillside Terrace.

How to Tell the Difference Between Normal Forgetfulness & Dementia!

Aging is a part of life, there’s no doubt about it! But, is forgetfulness normal?

Is it normal to forget the little things as we age? Whether you forget an appointment, forget to pay a bill, or walk into a room and forget why you’re there, is that normal?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a person has problems with memory or another core brain function. These problems are severe enough to be noticeable to other people and show up on tests of mental function, but not serious enough to interfere with daily life.

People with MCI have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in the near future, especially when their main problem involves memory. However, not everyone diagnosed with MCI progresses to Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a disease. It’s a general term that describes a set of symptoms that may be caused by a number of different brain disorders. These symptoms involve mental decline severe enough to disrupt daily life that affects more than one of the following core brain functions:

• Recent memory (the ability to learn and recall information)
• Language (the ability to write or speak, or to understand written or spoken words)
• Visuospatial Function (the ability to understand and use symbols, maps, etc. and the ability to correctly judge where objects are)
• Executive function (the ability to plan, reason, solve problems and focus on a task)”

You may ask yourself: Will I get dementia? Is my forgetfulness a sign that I’ll be diagnosed with dementia when I’m older?

No, not necessarily. There are certain factors that increase your risks as you age. If you’re aware of those things and make some lifestyle changes, you should be well on your way to living a long and happy life!

Get Started Today: Schedule a Tour!

Our memory care facility is available for those who suffer from the following memory illnesses: long-term memory loss, short-term memory loss, Huntington’s disease, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and even those who suffer from a traumatic brain injury.

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 – “Where our family shares life with your family!” We warmly invite you to see the difference we can make when your family shares life with our family. Schedule a tour of Hillside Terrace today– a facility for memory care in Ann Arbor.

Contact us for more information about memory care offered at Hillside Terrace.

What is "The Longest Day”?

The Longest Day on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, is all about bringing people together to support a common goal: the fight against Alzheimer’s. It’s the celebration of the year!

We help raise funds and awareness for research while doing activities you can enjoy. You can honor a caregiver, someone living with Alzheimer's, or someone you’ve lost by selecting his or her favorite hobby and doing it from sunrise to sunset.

Do you know someone fighting the disease?

Are you at risk?

Are you noticing symptoms?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “The Longest Day is all about love. Love for all those affected by Alzheimer's disease. On the summer solstice, team up with the Alzheimer’s Association and select any activity you love — or an activity loved by those affected — to help end Alzheimer’s. Together, we will raise funds and awareness for care and support while advancing research toward the first survivor of Alzheimer’s.”

Thousands contribute to The Longest Day activities on the longest night December 21, and the longest day, June 21. Last year, over 10,000 people from nine countries participated in 3,200 Longest Day tributes and $3.8 million was raised for the Alzheimer’s Association. That’s incredible!

“What motivates us year to year is the fact that the Alzheimer's disease is now more than ever not just an "Old Person" disease. People of all ages are being affected by Alzheimer's. There is still no prevention, no cure, and not enough funds and research to provide us with a possible cure. We live and breathe this disease everyday here at Hillside Terrace. Our mission this year is to raise as much awareness as possible at our "Longest Day" to the youth and to the community,” says Trey Litz, Director of Community Relations.

This year we’re partnering with Bumpin' Bubbles and giving people and businesses in the area a chance to sponsor an hour of team building skills while playing Bubble Soccer. The orchard will be set up like a real soccer field with bleachers for fans, food & drinks, silent auctions, live DJ, Cardio Drumming, NuStepping, Zumba, Yoga, and even Jon Falk from the UM Athletic Department will be there handing out and signing his books!

For more information on how you can donate to the Hillside Terrace team visit The Alzheimer's Association's The Longest Day page.

All donations help provide care and support to all those facing Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association also helps drive new research studies toward new treatment, prevention and ultimately, a cure. Donate today!  

To learn more about how you can get involved in Hillside Terrace Senior Living's Longest Day, contact us today! (734) 761-4451

Ways to Help Seniors Avoid Isolation

Are you or a loved one isolated from other people?

Do you or a loved one get social anxiety?

Do you prefer to be by yourself?

According to a study conducted by the Drexel University of Public Health, “seniors living in areas with greater social capital had significantly higher physical mobility scores than those living in lower social capital neighborhoods. Living in a place with greater social capital—where there is more trust and more helpful neighbors—you will feel more comfortable walking around to get to places you need to go, which helps you stay mobile,” and less isolated.

If your parent or loved one doesn’t live in an area with social capital, then it is important to encourage them in certain ways to get involved in something they enjoy doing to promote social health.

A Place for Mom suggests the top ways to promote connectedness and social health include:

1. Making transportation available
2. Promote sense of purpose or hobbies that interest them
3. Encourage religious seniors to maintain attendance at their places of worship
4. Give a senior something to take care of
5. Encourage a positive body image
6. Encourage hearing and vision tests
7. Make adaptive technologies available
8. Notify neighbors of your loved one’s condition so they can keep a friendly eye out in case anything seems amiss
9. Encourage dining with others
10. Address incontinence issues
11. Give a hug
12. Giving extra support to seniors who have recently lost a spouse
13. Identification of socially isolated seniors by public health professionals
14. Help out a caregiver in your life

Have you or a loved one overcome isolation? Please let us know your story and what helped you! We’d LOVE to hear your story!

Hillside Terrace Senior Living offers elderly care in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. Trust is an important factor when placing your family member under someone else’s care. 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 – “Where our family shares life with your family!”

Looking For More?

For more information about our 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!