Do You Have the Financial means to Support Your Elderly Parents?

Not sure whether you should move your elderly parents into your home or into assisted living?

According to Genworth’s caregiving statistics, caregiving families can spend over $10,000 out of pocket each year on elderly care. Over 70% of caregivers miss time at work, which can put financial strain on your family. It’s important to ask your elderly family member if they can contribute to the expenses.

Depending on the level of care that your family can provide, assisted living may be more cost-effective for your elderly parent. Read more about how to make the decision to move into assisted living here.

Professional Caregivers with Assisted Living in Ann Arbor

Caregiving often comes with an immense amount of pressure and stress—stress alone commonly results in sickness and mental distress for the caregiver. Consider choosing assisted living in Ann Arbor. Hillside Terrace treats your elderly loved ones like family; they’ll get the care and attention that they deserve, and you don’t have to drastically alter your life. Give us a call at (734) 761-4451 or submit a contact form and ask about our senior living accommodations.

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.

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! 

How to Deal With Personality Changes in Seniors

Does someone you know suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer’s?

Does your loved one feel like a stranger?

Are you struggling with ways to cope with these changes in your loved ones’ personality?

According to A Place For Mom, “although this can be a difficult situation to deal with, it helps to remember that this is not something you are causing in your loved one, rather, that the behavior is the direct result of the health condition.” Please know that nothing you did made them this way.

Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) suggests that “when your loved one exhibits an undesirable behavior, your reaction may be to try to stop or change the behavior. But remember, you can't reason with or teach new skills to a person with dementia. Instead, try to decrease the intensity or frequency of the behavior. Consider these approaches:

• Remember that your loved one isn't acting this way on purpose. Try not to get angry or upset or take it personally.
• Speak calmly and softly to the person.
• If the behavior is aggressive, back away. Give your loved one space. Then calmly approach him or her. Don't argue.
• Consider the potential cause of the behavior. Is your loved one tired, hungry, in pain, frustrated, lonely, bored? Could it be a side effect of medication?
• Respond to the emotion, not the behavior. If your loved one keeps asking about a certain family member, he or she may need reassurance that this person is healthy and safe. Avoid trying to reason with the patient, this may often lead to frustration for both of you, because he or she may be unable to follow lengthy explanations.”

Are you still having problems dealing with personality changes in your loved one? At Hillside Terrace, we understand that it can be a challenging time and we want to help you in any way we can to make things easier. We’re focused on holistically improving and maintaining the well-being of our residents through promoting independence, a stimulating environment, and building rapport.

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!

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!

10 Ways Families Can Stay Connected When Caring For an Aging Parent

Do you have a hard time coordinating appointments for your parent with other members of your family?

Do you have a difficult time tracking down certain medications your parent takes?

Are you looking for an easier way to stay connected with your family when caring for your aging parent?

According to A Place For Mom, whether you prefer modern technology or old-fashioned pen and paper, there are some great ways to help seniors and their families stay in contact and monitor ongoing care giving needs:

1. Family meetings – It helps to set a date ahead of time so everyone in the family can meet up and see each other. Great for long distance!
2. Letters and photos – Great way to let your loved one know that you’re thinking about them when you’re away.
3. Written journals and records – this is a useful way to keep track of care giving activities like medication and doctor appointments.
4. Email, phone and text messages – If you need to update someone in the family right away emailing, calling or texting are great options.
5. Video chats and webcams – If your senior is tech savvy this can be a great way to connect with family members who live far away or when you can’t always be there in person.
6. Spreadsheets and office software – Spreadsheets can be a lifesaver when it comes to tracking finances, appointments, and medication management.
7. Caregiver-focused websites – You can find everything from social support and discussion boards, to detailed health and caregiver information.
8. Online collaboration – Online tools are available for privately sharing health records and coordinating with family members while ensuring your privacy.
9. Electronic scheduling – A Google calendar is a great way to collaborate and keep track of managing appointments and medications for your loved one. Easy to share with family members and health caretakers.
10. Caregiving mobile apps – There are a plethora of apps to help you keep track of your loved one’s appointments if you’re attached to your phone. Plus it will be on you at all times!

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

The transition from living at home independently to assisted living can be one of the most difficult decisions families and their loved ones have to make. When a family member 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 the daily care their loved one may require.

We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of elderly 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! (734) 761-4451

3 Ways Seniors Can Save Money Right Now!

Want to save money?

Are you strapped for cash?

Are you looking for ways to save money right now?

According to SeniorLiving.org, these are a few great ways you can start saving:
1.    Get rid of cable TV- Try Netflix, Hulu or Amazon instead!
2.    Drop your land line for a cell phone- You’ll save money and stop those annoying sales calls for good!
3.    Save money on car insurance- It’s important to shop around. You may be paying too much or holding onto coverage you don’t need anymore.

Senior Living Services in Ann Arbor: Make Hillside Terrace Your Home Away From Home!

If you’re still looking to save money in other areas like home expenses and upkeep, senior living may be a great option! 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– we provide senior living services in Ann Arbor.

10 Tips to Help Ease Aggression When Alzheimer’s Turns Violent

Does your parent suffer from Alzheimer’s with a tendency to have aggressive behavior?

Are you having a hard time controlling your parent’s outbursts?

Are you worried about them causing harm to you, other family members, caregivers or even themselves?

If you haven’t already, it’s time you found a facility for elderly care in Ann Arbor for your loved one that has the capabilities to handle aggression in Alzheimer’s residents. At Hillside Terrace, 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! 

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, “Aggression can be caused by many factors including physical discomfort, environmental factors and poor communication. If the person with Alzheimer's is aggressive, consider what might be contributing to the change in behavior.” With a trained nurse and or physician on staff an assisted living facility has the knowledge and experience when it comes to handling residents needing specialized care.

However, if your parent lives alone and you take care of them, the Alzheimer’s Association suggests the following ways to respond to aggression:

1. Identify the immediate cause.
2. Rule out pain as a source of stress.
3. Focus on feeling, not the facts.
4. Don’t get upset.
5. Limit distractions.
6. Try a relaxing activity.
7. Shift the focus to another activity.
8. Decrease level of danger.
9. Avoid using restraint or force.
10. Share your experience with others.

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

The transition from living at home independently to assisted living can be one of the most difficult decisions families and their loved ones have to make. When a family member 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 the daily care their loved one may require.

We’re confident in our ability to provide the best quality of elderly care, the security, and the family atmosphere that you’re seeking! However, we’re not a locked community, therefore we can’t accommodate the psycho social & physical needs for this type of dementia. Only alarmed neighborhoods can accept Alzheimer’s patients who have aggressive behavior. 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!
 
If you have further questions or concerns about what type of care is required for your family member who suffers from Alzheimer’s, contact your parent’s primary care physician for recommendations.

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!

5 Benefits of Elderly Owning Pets

Did you know that owning a pet can have a positive impact on your health? 

A furry friend may be exactly what the doctor ordered!

According to the Mother Nature Network, “Petting and interacting with a dog, cat or other animal can relieve stress, and animals can also lend a listening ear to lonely people. While isolation can make disorders like depression worse, simply scratching a cat's ears or talking to a dog can be therapeutic and boost a person's mood.”

Health benefits include:

1.    Reduces stress levels
2.    Lowers blood pressure
3.    Increases social interaction
4.    Reduces depression
5.    Lessons loneliness
6.    Reduces the risk of heart disease

Do you think a furry friend could help your loved one cope with depression or help increase physical activity? Then you might consider adopting them a pet!

Hillside Terrace is a pet friendly facility for memory care in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. Nestled in the heart of the Old West Side on 10 acres of orchard and gardens, we offer a diverse combination of residents that will quickly become members of your loved one’s family.

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!

9 Ways to Introduce Assisted Living to Your Parents

Are your parents independent?

Are you worried about your parents getting older?

Are you dreading the discussion of assisted living with your parents?

According to a study conducted by Genworth Financial, “nearly 7 out of 10 Americans over age 65 will need long-term care, more than half of all respondents (55%) reported that their greatest fear regarding a long-term care illness or event was being a burden on their family. In fact, they reported being five times more concerned about being a burden than dying.”

Does your loved one still refuse proper care? Discussing moving your parent into a senior care center in Ann Arbor can be a scary thing for any adult to face. However, it’s the scary reality of so many in this country.

Care.com suggests nine strategies to help you overcome your parents’ objections of moving into a senior care center:

1. Start early: Be open to the discussion of assisted living and caregiving later on in life.
2. Be patient: Ask open-ended questions and give your loved one time to answer.
3. Probe deeply: Ask questions to determine why your parent refuses help –then you can tailor a solution.
4. Offer options: Let your parent choose certain days of the week or times of day to have a home health aide come. Emphasize that an aide will be his or her companion for walks, concerts, museum visits and other favorite activities.
5. Recruit outsiders early: Don’t hesitate to ask your parent’s social worker, doctor, nurse, priest or minister to suggest to your parent that they need help.
6. Prioritize problems: Writing them down and numbering by priority can relive a lot of stress.
7. Use indirect approaches: Don’t explain every aspect of care the aide will provide before the relationship has been formed. This may make your loved one feel less threatened.
8. Take it slow: Weave a new aide in gradually.
9. Accept your limits: As long as seniors are not endangering themselves or others, let your parents’ make their own choices.

Best Senior Care Center 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. Hillside Terrace – “Where our family shares life with your family!”